The Bronx Zoo says five rare Chinese yellow-headed box turtles have recently hatched.
The inch-long hatchlings are part of an effort by zoo parent Wildlife Conservation Society to save some of the world’s most endangered turtles. The species typically grows to about 6 inches long. The zoo also has four adults: two males and two females.
Chinese yellow-headed box turtles are one of the world’s 25 most endangered turtles, with fewer than 150 remaining in the wild. They are native to eastern China. The population collapsed due to human consumption, use in traditional medicine, pollution, habitat loss and pet trade.
The hatchlings will stay at the zoo as part of group being kept to maintain genetic diversity. The wildlife society’s broader program also involves reintroducing some species into the wild.