Two National Zoological Gardens of South Africa researchers from Pretoria received an award at the Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (Paaza) conference in East London last month.

This celebrates the hatching of four rare and critically endangered baby pancake tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri) in 2022. This unique and critically endangered species is native to Tanzania and Kenya.

The Pretoria Zoo is reportedly the first institution in South Africa to achieve the successful breeding of this species.

“We are deeply honoured to receive the Paaza Conservation Award. We are so glad of this recognition of the outstanding contributions of Chadané Pretorius and Kabelo Segodi,” stated Michael Adams, zoo reptile park curator.

Adams said pancake tortoises are known for their unique shell structure, which has a flat and flexible shape, allowing them to retreat into tight crevices when threatened.

“This species is also known for the ability to flip over, hence the name ‘pancake’,” he said.

The successful hatching of these four baby tortoises is a result of the dedicated and intricate husbandry practices of Pretorius and Segodi.

The pancake tortoise has specific requirements for temperature, humidity, and diet.

The zoo has been able to provide the ideal environment to support their growth and well-being.

He said this breeding programme is an important aspect of a mandate to protect biodiversity and preserve and showcase the African species.

“The captive breeding of species such as the pancake tortoise is essential in helping to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures in the face of habitat loss, poaching and other threats in their natural habitats.”

As habitats for wildlife continue to shrink, captive breeding programmes like this one are essential for ensuring the survival of species like the pancake tortoise.

“The new baby African pancake tortoises will directly contribute to the genetic viability of the worldwide captive breeding conservation efforts for this species and its studbook, which is a record of all the pancake tortoises currently in captivity worldwide.

The garden will also be exchanging some of its new offspring with international zoos in future, to maintain the genetic viability of the captive population.”