Baby pancake tortoise 'symbol of hope' for species

A newly hatched baby pancake tortoise has been described as "a symbol of hope for the future" of one of the world's most threatened species of tortoise.

Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park, in Wherstead, near Ipswich, welcomed the tiny tortoise following a carefully monitored incubation programme.

The arrival has been branded a "significant conservation success" for the threatened species, which has declined in numbers by about 80% over the past 30 years.

The hatchling, which will be named by the public, is the offspring of resident pancake tortoises Waffle and Maple and is already said to be thriving.

The species is classed as critically endangered by The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species

"We're delighted to welcome this tiny new arrival," a spokesperson for the award-winning wildlife park said.

"This little tortoise is a symbol of hope for the future of the species and highlights the vital work being done to protect some of the world's most threatened animals."

Pancake tortoises, which are native to Kenya and Tanzania, are a critically endangered species due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.

Every successful hatch, therefore, is viewed as a valuable step forward and a "powerful symbol of hope for conservation", the wildlife park said.

"The egg was carefully incubated by our team and seeing a healthy female hatchling emerge is a fantastic moment," the spokesperson added.

"With pancake tortoise populations having fallen dramatically in the wild, every successful hatch is incredibly important."

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