Santa Cruz Island
It is Wednesday morning and we woke up with the view of Puerto Ayora, capital of Santa Cruz Island. We had great expectations to observe today the most emblematic animal species of the Galápagos Islands, the majestic giant tortoises. We spent the morning visiting one of the longest-term and most successful conservation projects run by the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS): the captive breeding and release program of those most emblematic of Galapagos species, the giant tortoises. In the breeding center that the Galápagos National Park runs together with the CDRS we had the chance to appreciate first hand the titanic efforts that have been done in order to save the giant tortoises from extinction. These huge antediluvian-looking creatures are truly fascinating to observe. From baby tortoises the size of a doughnut to huge individuals that can easily reach five hundred pounds, the tortoises got all the attention from our guests and lots of pictures were taken as souvenirs from these encounters. One remarkable example found in the CDRS is the case of the Española giant tortoises. There were only twelve females and two males surviving in the wild of this saddleback subspecies. These individuals, roaming on their own over the small island had zero breeding success due to densities that were just too low, they were therefore taken to the CDRS to begin a long and successful repatriation program. Later on, a male from the same species was miraculously found in the San Diego Zoo and joined the small group very successfully, becoming the proud procreator of hundreds of baby tortoises that have since been repatriated to Española.
In the afternoon, after lunch in a paradisiacal location, we explored the luxury green Galápagos highlands. We observed the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We left the giant tortoise territory behind, covered by the mist, and headed back to town and then to the National Geographic Polaris. Once in the ship we shared our impressions and adventures with our fellow travelers. We can hardly wait what new memories our expedition around this magical archipelago will bring tomorrow to our lives.
It is Wednesday morning and we woke up with the view of Puerto Ayora, capital of Santa Cruz Island. We had great expectations to observe today the most emblematic animal species of the Galápagos Islands, the majestic giant tortoises. We spent the morning visiting one of the longest-term and most successful conservation projects run by the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS): the captive breeding and release program of those most emblematic of Galapagos species, the giant tortoises. In the breeding center that the Galápagos National Park runs together with the CDRS we had the chance to appreciate first hand the titanic efforts that have been done in order to save the giant tortoises from extinction. These huge antediluvian-looking creatures are truly fascinating to observe. From baby tortoises the size of a doughnut to huge individuals that can easily reach five hundred pounds, the tortoises got all the attention from our guests and lots of pictures were taken as souvenirs from these encounters. One remarkable example found in the CDRS is the case of the Española giant tortoises. There were only twelve females and two males surviving in the wild of this saddleback subspecies. These individuals, roaming on their own over the small island had zero breeding success due to densities that were just too low, they were therefore taken to the CDRS to begin a long and successful repatriation program. Later on, a male from the same species was miraculously found in the San Diego Zoo and joined the small group very successfully, becoming the proud procreator of hundreds of baby tortoises that have since been repatriated to Española.
In the afternoon, after lunch in a paradisiacal location, we explored the luxury green Galápagos highlands. We observed the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We left the giant tortoise territory behind, covered by the mist, and headed back to town and then to the National Geographic Polaris. Once in the ship we shared our impressions and adventures with our fellow travelers. We can hardly wait what new memories our expedition around this magical archipelago will bring tomorrow to our lives.
