Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the second largest Galápagos island size and the most populated; about 15,000 people live there, and it’s the center of all tourist and commercial activities in Galápagos.
Our first visit was to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Within this rustic installation, this institute, together with National Park Service, has carried out for some decades the restoration of some islands’ giant tortoise populations, including the Pinzon and Española tortoises.
The best known of the Española group is a male tortoise nicknamed Super Diego, for he once lived in the San Diego Zoo and was returned to join the other 14 members of his clan to start with the restoration of their dynasty; they have been so successful that now the island has more than 1,400 new members.
Another famous tortoise in the center is Lonesome George, found alone on the island of Pinta in 1971 and brought to the park the following year. Being the only survivor of the species, the efforts to save his clan are far more challenging as no females exist for reproduction. The only possible solution now is to put him together with females from the closest species genetically available. So far, the romances have been very timid.
We also observed land iguanas, which have come through years of predation and decimation by feral dogs and cats found on some of the islands. Eradication programs, captive breeding and rearing programs have been very important to keep these iconic animals with us.
After this visit we had some free time in town to visit the local shops that offer infinite variety for visitors of all tastes. We then headed up to the green forests of the highlands to visit a local school and a sugar cane and coffee farm. After lunch we had an opportunity to observe giant tortoises in the wild.
Glorious day!!!
