Critically Endangered Tortoises Hatch at Chattogram Zoo

Chattogram Zoo has announced a significant conservation success with the hatching of five yellow hill tortoises, a critically endangered species. The hatchlings, born on June 6, were formally confirmed by zoo officials this morning.

Dr. Shahadat Hossain Shuvo, the acting curator, explained that a female tortoise laid seven eggs, with five successfully hatching after approximately 120 days. Sadly, two eggs did not survive. The yellow hill tortoise is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

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This is one of the most important examples of successful conservation breeding of the elongated tortoise in Bangladesh.

This latest success follows previous hatchings, with five recorded in 2023 and 2025. With these new births, the total number of yellow hill tortoises hatched under the zoo's program has reached 10, and eight of these are still alive. This development effectively doubles the population of yellow hill tortoises at the zoo over the past four years, increasing their numbers from eight to 16.

"This is one of the most important examples of successful conservation breeding of the elongated tortoise in Bangladesh," Shuvo stated. He expressed optimism that this achievement will bolster future conservation efforts, potentially including soft-release monitoring and reintroduction programs for the species.

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He added that the achievement could support future conservation efforts, including soft-release monitoring and possible reintroduction programmes.