Santa Cruz Island
Early this morning we arrived at our anchorage in Academy Bay, off the picturesque town of Puerto Ayora, eagerly anticipating what would be a great day. We spent the morning at the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS), learning about the fascinating history and biology of the giant tortoises of the Galápagos Islands. We also learned about the titanic efforts the Galápagos National Park Service (GNPS), together with the CDRS, to restore tortoise populations with a long-term captive breeding program.
Unfortunately, the recent history of these giants is not a very appealing one. It is known that thousands of them were taken from the islands to be used as mere food. Giant tortoises can survive for up to two years without eating or drinking. This ability caused a drastic reduction in their numbers, for the tortoises were transported alive in the ships of the passing pirates, whalers, sealers, etc. In those times refrigerators were still far from being invented, and the reptiles became an abundant source of fresh food, and were exploited without mercy.
The giant tortoises in the Galápagos are now living in a wonderful golden age. We, as humans, are not causing damage to their populations anymore. On the contrary, we are helping to restore, little by little, their original populations. A very successful program is the one dedicated to the incubation and later repatriation of baby tortoises to their islands of origin.
To date, thousands of new tortoises have been repatriated already. Baby tortoises spend their first two years in rearing pens, and are then sent to adaptation corrals. Finally, when they reach five years of age, their shells are big and hard enough to protect them from predators and they are released in the wild. Commendable efforts like these exemplify the powerful role that responsible humans have in the future of the Galápagos.
For many of our guests the highlight of the day was to observe the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. There were many to be found along the grassy slopes, and it was easy to sit alone alongside one of these extraordinary reptiles and observe their behavior.
To top off the day, the evening was filled with energetic entertainment on board the National Geographic Endeavour by local musicians and dancers. An outstanding finale for a great day in paradise!
