A rare baby Egyptian tortoise has been born in Swansea's tropical zoo and it's smaller and lighter than a pound coin.
The critically endangered species is almost extinct in Egypt and has been born as part of a European-wide conservation program in place at Plantasia.
Weighing-in at 7g, little 'Bow' as they've been named, will be kept under the watchful eyes of zookeepers as their first six weeks are critical for development.
Read more: Welsh pup is officially the UK's naughtiest dog
The new arrival was found on March 3 when an employee was checking the conservation enclosure at the zoo.
'Bow', so-called because off the bow shape above its head, highlights the success and importance of the attraction's work in protecting and conserving endangered species life.
Plantasia is typically associated with it's iconic Meerkats or 'creepy crawlies', but a lot of behind the scenes work is done into preserving species.
Six years ago, five adult Egyptian tortoise came to Plantasia after an animal smuggler was caught illegally trafficking over 200 of the species in Italy. The animals were set to be sold in the pet trade, a severe threat to species' life all around the world.
The Tortoise were taken to Zooroma, Rome - and became part of a European-wide programme to save the species, with them being redistributed to 40 zoos across the continent.
Plantasia received three females and two males of what is the second smallest species in the world that can live up to 80 years.
"It's about maintaining the blood line of the species and monitoring and protecting them. When numbers are at sufficient levels, the hope is that they can go back into a protected area in their natural habitat of Egypt," said Anthony Williams, general manager of Plantasia.
"Around five years ago, we had six babies which were moved to a zoo in North Wales to link with their own species up there in the hope that they would breed to boost the numbers. This new baby is the latest addition and we want it to be the first of more to come, it's amazing to have."
Find great options for your family in your local area:
The species will be kept behind closed doors at the zoo for now.
"The main objective of zoos now is to protect species, prevent the extinction of species and conservation of current species alongside educating the public," added Anthony.
"Attractions with well known animals to get people through the door, helps drives funds into the important work we do and this case study is a real success story of that" he said.
Get Swansea stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter.
