Eight critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoises have hatched at Adelaide Zoo.
The zoo says the tortoises represent a huge contribution to the future of the species in the wild.
"Sadly, the numbers of Western Swamp Tortoises in the wild are still extremely low as the species faces a number of threats to their habitats and predation from introduced animals," reptile keeper Shawn Scott said on Friday.
Endemic to Western Australia, the reptile was thought to be extinct for more than 100 years until it was rediscovered in 1953.
By the 1980s, it was estimated there were less than 30 individuals left in the wild, while now the total population stands at about 500, both in the wild and in captivity.
Western Swamp Tortoise populations are currently found in two small swamp reserves in WA, but are facing habitat loss and predation from introduced species like foxes, cats, dogs and pigs.
The Adelaide Zoo has successfully raised 24 tortoises, with 11 sent to the Perth Zoo for inclusion in the wild release program.
"We are determined to continue to grow an insurance population for this beautiful species to ensure they have a long future in the wild," Mr Scott said.
