WASHINGTON (AP) - The Smithsonian’s National Zoo says for the first time a rare spider tortoise has hatched at its Reptile Discovery Center.
The zoo says the tortoise hatched May 10 at an off-exhibit area and appears to be doing well. The zoo says if it continues its progress it will be on exhibit this summer.
The zoo says the tortoise’s parents came to the zoo in January 2014. The female laid her first egg in August 2014 but it did not hatch. The tortoise that just hatched came from the tortoise’s second egg, which was laid in September. A third egg which was laid in October has not yet hatched.
The zoo says spider tortoises are native to Madagascar and that their populations have declined by 80 percent since 1970.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.