Denver Zoo's baby pancake tortoise gets a sweet name

The Denver Zoo announced that its baby African pancake tortoise has been named Maple, following a reader poll in which she received 49% of the votes. This event is noteworthy because Maple is the first African pancake tortoise successfully bred and hatched at the zoo in its 129-year history. Other name contenders included Flip, Griddle, and Syrup, which garnered 30%, 12%, and 9% of the votes, respectively. Maple lives with her mother, Waffles, and three male tortoises, all with breakfast-themed names: Short-Stack, Denny, and Flapjack. The zoo's focus on breeding critically endangered species highlights its commitment to conservation efforts.

Zookeepers noted that Waffles laid another egg in February, potentially leading to a sibling for Maple. Visitors are encouraged to meet Maple and her family in the Tropical Discovery exhibit, showcasing the zoo's diverse wildlife. This successful breeding achievement emphasizes the zoo's role in species preservation and education.