The first albino Galapagos giant tortoise seen to date is born in a zoo

a baby of tortoise Galapagos giant was born with whitish skin and red eyes in a Swiss zoo. It is the first time that a tortoise albino of this species in captivity or in the wild, depending on its owner.

“It is a blessing from heaven”, celebrates Philippe Morel, the owner of the Tropiquarium in Servion, a neighborhood on the outskirts of Lausanne (western Switzerland), whose visitors were able to observe the tortoise albina on Friday for the first time.

With just one month of life, the tortoise It weighs about 50 grams and fits in the palm of a hand.

The Galapagos giant tortoises (Chelonodis nigra), a species considered vulnerable, have a life expectancy that can reach 200 years.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that there are about 23,000 individuals in this archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.

The zoo owner estimates that the life in the wild of a tortoise albino will barely reach a few weeks, as their white fur can attract predators. But he hopes that the newborn baby in his playpen can grow up normally.

“It’s incredible to see her climb,” rejoices the owner of the Tropiquarium. “She’s even more active than the other one,” replies his son, Thomas (who also works in the park), pointing to another baby from the same set.

This event is exceptional not only because of the color of the tortoise, but because of their size, since as adults they can weigh up to 200 kilos. This weight makes the reproduction of individuals very complicated, with only 2% success in procreation. Something that reinforces the importance of its conservation.

In addition, there have only been captive births in three zoos in the world.

Source-larepublica.pe