Tortoise becomes oldest new father in the world after becoming dad for first time… aged 135
Goliath, a Galapagos tortoise weighing 517lb, had never had kids despite trying with a number of females over the years.
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Goliath with long-term zoo keeper Ron Magill
Credit: Jam Press/Zoo Miami
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Proud parent Goliath with his first child
Credit: Jam Press/Zoo Miami
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Goliath and Ron back in 1981
Credit: Jam Press/Zoo Miami
But one of eight eggs laid in January by his long-term partner Sweet Pea hatched just in time for Father's Day after 128 days of incubation.
The hatchling was born at Zoo Miami in Florida on June 4.
It is the first Galapagos tortoise to be bred there.
The zoo is now hoping Guinness World Records will recognise Goliath as the oldest first-time dad.
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With Sweet Pea possibly aged 100, she may be the oldest first-time mum too.
Goliath is believed to have hatched in the Galapagos around 1890.
He was acquired by New York's Bronx Zoo in 1929 before moving to Zoo Miami in 1981.
World's Oldest Tortoise Jonathan Package - Joe Hollins
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