Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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In the Moscow Zoo, which is under the jurisdiction of the capital Department of CultureThree radiated tortoise hatchlings, a species critically endangered in the wild, were born. The hatchlings are temporarily housed in a specially equipped terrarium in a separate outbuilding. The terrarium maintains a stable temperature and is equipped with full-spectrum lamps combining ultraviolet and infrared radiation, essential for the reptiles' development.
"The first baby turtle hatched on January 26, the second on January 30, and the third on February 5. All three turtles are doing well and are under 24-hour observation by specialists. At first, the newborns' shells were wrinkled and asymmetrical—this is normal. A few days after hatching, the hatchlings straightened out, and now their appearance meets species standards. The sex of the turtles will be known only when they are two years old," noted Svetlana Akulova, General Director of the Moscow Zoo.
Radiated tortoises are endemic to the island of Madagascar. Their natural population is declining due to poaching and habitat loss.
To stimulate the reproduction of these rare reptiles, the Moscow Zoo has developed a set of measures. The turtles are kept in groups to allow males to compete for females. During the warmer months, the animals are brought outside to natural light, and in the fall, they are returned to the warmer pavilion. During the colder months, the reptiles are also hibernated, lowering the temperature in the terrarium to 14 degrees Celsius. For adults, this occurs from late September to late December.
After mating, the female lays her eggs in the soil, after which zoo staff transfer them to an incubator. The incubation period lasts 155 days at a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, but the slightest fluctuations can extend it to 271 days or shorten it to 121. During this time, zoologists monitor the condition of the clutch. Radiated turtles hatch in about five days: the hatchlings break through the shell and emerge.
The turtles' initial diet includes lettuce leaves, button mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms. As they mature, protein foods, apples, pears, and banana peels are added to their diet.
The radiated tortoise has one of the most unusual shells in the world, featuring a geometrically perfect yellow pattern. Adults of this species reach 39.5 centimeters in length and can weigh up to 13 kilograms. In the wild, they are found in remote areas of Madagascar: the Mahawavi Plateau, Karimbolo, and near Amboasari (southeast) and Morombe (southwest coast).
The Moscow Zoo's program of events contributes to the achievement of the capital's goals and objectives national project "Family"More information about Russia's national projects and Moscow's contribution can be found at special page.
The Moscow Zoo, under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Department of Culture, is one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded by the Imperial Russian Society for the Acclimatization of Animals and Plants in 1864. The zoo's history is inextricably linked with the names of prominent scientists from Moscow University—Karl Roullier, Anatoly Bogdanov, and Sergei Usov.
Today, the Moscow Zoo is a dynamically developing space where serious scientific work is conducted, international conferences are held, educational programs are implemented, and a unique atmosphere is created daily for introducing residents and visitors to the amazing world of wildlife.
In early 2025, the Moscow Zoo set a world record for the number of animal species represented, housing 1,253 species. This remarkable achievement is the result of years of hard work by a team of zoologists, veterinarians, keepers, and other staff.
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