It's a big dill for Mr. and Mrs. Pickles.
The rare radiated Madagascar tortoises have welcomed three new hatchlings perfectly named Dill, Gherkin and Jalapeño.
The trio were born at Houston Zoo, where their parents have lived for several decades.
Mr. Pickles is 90 years old and has been at the zoo for 37 years. He met his mate Mrs. Pickles when she arrived 27 years ago.
An eagle-eyed zoo keeper saw Mrs. Pickles lay the eggs when they were retrieved and taken to the Reptile and Amphibian House at the zoo. It's an important step as the soil in Houston isn't conducive for incubating Madagascar-native tortoises' eggs.
Officials say the endangered babies might not have hatched if the zoo keeper hadn't noticed the newly laid eggs.
The addition of the hatchlings is extra special as these tortoises don't often reproduce and are critically endangered.
feature image from Houston Zoo via facebook
