Making progress...

The male incubated South African leopard tortoises are making progress breaking out of their egg shells. Hatching can take a few hours to a few days, while the tortoises absorb most of their yolk sac. Once they have pipped they are transferred to a box with moist paper towels and a towel “doughnut” to avoid rolling and come out when they are ready. A small enlarged window is made to make sure they don’t get trapped or albumin stuck to their faces.