Giant tortoise babies born on Necker Island

Two giant tortoise hatchlings were born on Necker Island, believed to be the first Aldabra giant tortoises bred outside of the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles.

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Billionaire Richard Branson owns Necker Island, part of the British Virgin Islands, where the tortoises were born.

“The two hatchlings are doing very well and already exploring the island,” Branson said in a statement.

The tortoises have an average lifespan of about 100 years and can live up to 250 years.

“It is believed that tortoises are the longest-lived of all animals, although is hard to prove because they have outlived the scientists who were studying them, and proper records were not kept,” according to the National Zoo.

Giant tortoises have roamed the island for many years, but this is the first time they have successfully bred there. Eggs in a clutch laid a few years ago failed to hatch. The tortoises can lay nine to 25 eggs in each clutch with only three to five viable young produced, according to the National Zoo. Depending on population density, they can nest several times a year.

“Because they nest a few times a year, we hope to see many more baby giant tortoises in the coming months and years,” Branson said.

Cox Media Group