Endangered radiated tortoise Mr. and Mrs. Pickles welcome 3 new babies: Dill, Gherkin and Jalapeno to the Houston Zoo

Houston, TX — The oldest animal at the Houston Zoo is also its new father.

At 90, an endangered radiated tortoise named Mr. Pickles and his companion Mrs. Pickles welcomed three new cubs: Dill, Gherkin and Jalapeño.

The eggs were a surprise for the staff.

A herpetology keeper came across Mrs Pickles as she was laying her eggs at closing time. The animal care team quickly retrieved the eggs and brought them to safety at the Reptile and Amphibian House.

It is considered unique because the soil of Houston is not hospitable to the natives of Madagascar and it is unlikely the eggs would have hatched if the caretaker were not there.

The big “Dill”

Mr. Pickles is the most genetically valuable turtle in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, as are the three new little Pickles.

Radiated tortoises are critically endangered due to over-collection for the illegal pet trade and are known to produce few offspring.

Mr Pickes has been a resident of the Houston Zoo for 36 years, along with Mrs Pickles, who arrived in 1996.

In 1997, the Pickles welcomed a little one.

The new additions will stay behind the scenes at the Reptile and Amphibian House until they grow old enough to safely join their parents.

A portion of every Houston Zoo membership and admission will be used to help zoo partners in Madagascar replant wildlife habitats to save animals in the wild.