Endangered Western Swamp Tortoise Hatchling Swims for First Time

A rare western swamp tortoise hatchling went for its first swim at Adelaide Zoo, as seen in a February 18 video, and took quickly to its natural element.Adelaide Zoo said the tiny tortoise hatched on February 1, making an “early entrance” ahead of the species’ hatching season in April. This tortoise was smaller than a 20 cent coin, measured about 2.8 centimetres in length, and weighed about 4.5 grams.This video shows the hatchling plopping into the water and attempting to paddle.The rare reptile is a critically-endangered species, according to the Department of Environment. There are fewer than 50 left in the wild. Credit: Adelaide Zoo via Storyful