If you recall, this post left you with a cliffhanger, and I’m not one to leave you hanging forever.
Knock knock! Who's there?Introducing Astrochelys radiata- the second one ever hatched by our zoo
One of the most endangered tortoises in the world
Here’s a picture of one of the parents.
I'm pretty sure this is dad. He's taller than a basketball, and much, much heavier.
The new baby is a bit smaller than its folks.
Yeah, that small.
And now the update you’ve all been waiting for! Can I get a drumroll, please? If you read this post, you know my supervisor at the zoo has been working to raise $2000 to buy desks and chairs for a school in Madagascar. Thanks to readers who forwarded the post all over the internet, we met our goal. In five days. Our total stands at $2443, and all of the money goes to the school. Give yourselves a hand! Thanks to everyone who donated or shared links. Your help will have a direct impact on the lives of 100 children in Madagascar. The baby tortoise featured in this blog is the same tortoise species that the children’s parents are helping to save, which bookends this story beautifully.
And I leave you with one more tortoise belly button.
Notice how this one is an oval instead.
Chris Sheridan
February 29, 2012 at 9:12 am
Thanks and congrats on your good works in Madagascar on behalf of the human children. Baby tortoises are cute, but in your first pic, I kept trying to figure out what kind of fish that is looking down on the tortoise from the adjacent aquarium. Then I realized that there was no fish, but just a visual error in image processing by my confused and sleep deprived brain. Sad but true… But in any case, Happy Wednesday!
becomingcliche
February 29, 2012 at 3:50 pm
The duct tape does look very fish-like. My photos are like cloud formations. Everyone sees something different!
Dawn Widener Huotari
February 29, 2012 at 9:15 am
Yay!!! For the kids AND the turtles!!!
becomingcliche
February 29, 2012 at 3:50 pm
I know! So exciting!
sj
February 29, 2012 at 9:39 am
Huzzah for building schools and saving tortoises!
becomingcliche
February 29, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Win:win! I can’t wait to see pictures from the school!
Audrey
February 29, 2012 at 9:45 am
Love this! So glad you guys raised all the funds – and so quickly. The tortoise babies are adorable!
becomingcliche
February 29, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Are they not the cutest little things?
Sandra Parsons
February 29, 2012 at 10:37 am
It’s funny how different the carapces look. Will the youngster look more like the father when he/she grows up?
Anyway, big hand for the achievement and thanks for supporting such worthwhile causes. You are my hero.
becomingcliche
February 29, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Yes. They darken up quite a bit, though each one is different and some always have a lot of yellow.
cassiebehle
February 29, 2012 at 11:06 am
Uber adorable!
becomingcliche
February 29, 2012 at 3:54 pm
Aren’t they darling?!
Buffaroozi
February 29, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Congrats!!
becomingcliche
February 29, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Thank you so much! We’re so excited! My supervisor will be providing me with lots of pictures from the grand opening to share.
whatimeant2say
February 29, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Dimples is exclaiming over the massive cute-itude!
becomingcliche
February 29, 2012 at 8:41 pm
It’s best in small doses. Overdose of cute is painful!
themiddlestsister
February 29, 2012 at 7:51 pm
Every day with baby tortoise belly buttons in it is a very good day.
becomingcliche
February 29, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Truer words were never spoken!
Frugalistablog
February 29, 2012 at 10:00 pm
They are so cute!! Like your own live Squinkie. Just kidding!
MJ, Nonstepmom
March 1, 2012 at 9:33 am
You’re killin’ me – I’m not sure I will be allowed in the door with another animal…..
Elyse
March 5, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Wonderful! Congrats to the happy godmother!