Fact Check: "One egg out of a clutch of eight laid on January 27, 2025, successfully hatched on June 4, 2025, marking the first time an endangered Galapagos tortoise has hatched at Zoo Miami."
What We Know
On June 4, 2025, Zoo Miami announced that one egg out of a clutch of eight, which was laid on January 27, 2025, successfully hatched. This event is significant as it marks the first time a Galapagos tortoise has hatched at Zoo Miami. The tortoise, named Goliath, is a 135-year-old male who has never fathered any offspring before this event, despite multiple breeding attempts throughout his life (Reptiles Magazine [source-1], Independent [source-2]). The hatchling was reported to be healthy and was placed in a separate enclosure after being removed from the incubator (Zoo Miami [source-3]).
Analysis
The claim that one egg out of a clutch of eight laid on January 27, 2025, hatched on June 4, 2025, is supported by multiple credible sources. Zoo Miami's official statements confirm that this is indeed the first successful hatching of a Galapagos tortoise at their facility (WPTV [source-4], Newsweek [source-5]). The timeline of events, including the incubation period of 128 days, aligns with standard practices for tortoise breeding and hatching.
The sources used in this fact-check include reputable news outlets and direct statements from Zoo Miami, which enhances their reliability. The information is consistent across various platforms, indicating a strong consensus on the event's occurrence. Additionally, the historical context of Goliath's breeding history adds depth to the significance of this hatching, as it represents a breakthrough for both the tortoise and the zoo (Universal Current Affairs [source-6]).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that one egg out of a clutch of eight laid on January 27, 2025, successfully hatched on June 4, 2025, marking the first time an endangered Galapagos tortoise has hatched at Zoo Miami is accurate. This conclusion is supported by multiple credible sources and the zoo's own announcements, confirming the significance of this event in the context of conservation and breeding efforts.
Sources
- 135-Year-Old Galapagos Tortoise Celebrates Father's Day For First Time
- Giant tortoise celebrates his 135th birthday - and first Father's Day ...
- Zoo Miami Galapagos Tortoise Celebrates Being a Father for The First ...
- Galapagos tortoise celebrates 135th birthday and his first ...
- 135-Year-Old Tortoise Celebrates First Father's Day
- Galapagos tortoise celebrates his 135th birthday and his first Father's ...