Santa Cruz Island
Looking for Galápagos giant tortoises in the wild is such a thrill! With high spirits, we went early this morning to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island with the hope of observing these famous reptiles. We walked into the tortoise reserve known as “El Chato.” The fine misty rain that accompanied us during the first part of the walk enhanced tremendously our expedition. Our hearts were beating fast when we finally saw them, along the trails and up close. We were highly successful for we counted twenty-four of them. The vegetation around the trails looked beautifully green in contrast to the dark coloration of the tortoises’ wet shells. Some individuals allowed us to get very close providing us wonderful photo opportunities.
The joy we all felt to see these huge creatures roaming free in their wild environment contrasts tremendously with their recent history which unfortunately is not less than heartbreaking. Early buccaneers and whalers found them a copious source of fresh meat, as the reptiles could stay alive stored on the ships’ galleys for long periods of time without eating or drinking. Giant tortoises were sacrificed for their abundant oil as well. Obviously this cheerless historical period is over but has left profound impacts in their populations that were badly affected by these detrimental human activities. Nowadays we are living a golden era, one where enormous efforts and actions are being made in order to save them from extinction. Educational and repatriation programs are key actions that will assure the tortoises’ survival. The Galápagos giant tortoises are one of the most emblematic species of the archipelago. It was an unforgettable experience and a privilege we all had to observe these antediluvian-looking creatures in their natural habitat. We certainly enjoyed this expedition tremendously.
Looking for Galápagos giant tortoises in the wild is such a thrill! With high spirits, we went early this morning to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island with the hope of observing these famous reptiles. We walked into the tortoise reserve known as “El Chato.” The fine misty rain that accompanied us during the first part of the walk enhanced tremendously our expedition. Our hearts were beating fast when we finally saw them, along the trails and up close. We were highly successful for we counted twenty-four of them. The vegetation around the trails looked beautifully green in contrast to the dark coloration of the tortoises’ wet shells. Some individuals allowed us to get very close providing us wonderful photo opportunities.
The joy we all felt to see these huge creatures roaming free in their wild environment contrasts tremendously with their recent history which unfortunately is not less than heartbreaking. Early buccaneers and whalers found them a copious source of fresh meat, as the reptiles could stay alive stored on the ships’ galleys for long periods of time without eating or drinking. Giant tortoises were sacrificed for their abundant oil as well. Obviously this cheerless historical period is over but has left profound impacts in their populations that were badly affected by these detrimental human activities. Nowadays we are living a golden era, one where enormous efforts and actions are being made in order to save them from extinction. Educational and repatriation programs are key actions that will assure the tortoises’ survival. The Galápagos giant tortoises are one of the most emblematic species of the archipelago. It was an unforgettable experience and a privilege we all had to observe these antediluvian-looking creatures in their natural habitat. We certainly enjoyed this expedition tremendously.
