On Sunday, the 2nd of May, a Madagascar spider tortoise was born. The Zookeepers had been closely observing the incubation period of the egg, which was laid in October last year. When the egg was first discovered, it was carefully placed and monitored in an incubator at a temperature of 28 – 30⁰C degrees.

To ensure the optimal conditions for the growth of the spider tortoise, the egg was first warmed, then cooled, and finally warmed again over the last two to three months.

The Madagascar spider tortoise originates from the southwest areas of Madagascar, and these tortoises got their name from the web-like patterns of black and yellow on their shells.


Due to the pet poaching and loss of habitats, the Madagascar spider tortoise was listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Dolf DeJong, the CEO of the Toronto Zoo, stated that the mission of the Zoo team was to fight against the extinction of species. They have been working with endangered species for more than 11 years, and the hatchling of the spider tortoise was an example of the great work that they have done.

Also, Andrew Lentini, the Senior Director of the Toronto Zoo, stated that the Toronto Zoo, as a member of the Turtle Survival Alliance, had supported efforts to protect and save endangered species of tortoises and turtles.

He added that poachers collect the endangered species of Madagascar spider tortoise for animal trading every year. Malagasy authorities confiscate some of them, but the Madagascar spider tortoises are treated before being placed in accredited conservation breeding utilities.

Source:  Unilad