Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos
Here in the Enchanted Isles the abundance and diversity of wildlife is overwhelming. From the Galápagos tortoise that wanders the highlands feasting on greens, to the sea lions that dine on fish and crab, to the human visitors whose gourmet tastes are satisfied with delicacies flown in from mainland South America, we all hold one need in common: food. Whether you are an omnivore, carnivore, piscivore or herbivore, your very existence is based on your ability to nourish your body and mind.
Last evening before our own scrumptious dinner we watched in awe as a Galápagos sea lion pup first caught and delicately dismembered, then ate, an unwilling sally lightfoot crab. It is not often that we as humans find our meals trying to pinch us as we bite into them. This dilemma kept the sea lion tossing the crab in the air, eating one leg at a time and finally disarming it for crab appetizer.
This morning at the Charles Darwin Research Center, we were treated to brunch with captive tortoises. As soon as the buffet opened, a mad scramble ensued as these behemoth reptiles positioned themselves for the tastiest tidbits on the platform. In tortoise time, the action was – in fact – fast and furious.
As the sun passed its zenith in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, wild Galápagos tortoises were on the prowl for fallen guava. Something about these yellow fruit makes them a tortoise delicacy. With our cameras set to burst, we watched tortoises passionately devouring the juicy soft centers.
Here on board the National Geographic Endeavour Juan Villafuerte and his staff, Carlos, Walter, Alexis, Eduardo, and Chester wait on us with Ecuadorian warmth as we dine on beautifully prepared and served meals three times a day. We hunt only for which piece of silver to lift the tasty morsels to our mouths. How sweet it is to dine on something that does not bite back. Bon Appetit!
Here in the Enchanted Isles the abundance and diversity of wildlife is overwhelming. From the Galápagos tortoise that wanders the highlands feasting on greens, to the sea lions that dine on fish and crab, to the human visitors whose gourmet tastes are satisfied with delicacies flown in from mainland South America, we all hold one need in common: food. Whether you are an omnivore, carnivore, piscivore or herbivore, your very existence is based on your ability to nourish your body and mind.
Last evening before our own scrumptious dinner we watched in awe as a Galápagos sea lion pup first caught and delicately dismembered, then ate, an unwilling sally lightfoot crab. It is not often that we as humans find our meals trying to pinch us as we bite into them. This dilemma kept the sea lion tossing the crab in the air, eating one leg at a time and finally disarming it for crab appetizer.
This morning at the Charles Darwin Research Center, we were treated to brunch with captive tortoises. As soon as the buffet opened, a mad scramble ensued as these behemoth reptiles positioned themselves for the tastiest tidbits on the platform. In tortoise time, the action was – in fact – fast and furious.
As the sun passed its zenith in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, wild Galápagos tortoises were on the prowl for fallen guava. Something about these yellow fruit makes them a tortoise delicacy. With our cameras set to burst, we watched tortoises passionately devouring the juicy soft centers.
Here on board the National Geographic Endeavour Juan Villafuerte and his staff, Carlos, Walter, Alexis, Eduardo, and Chester wait on us with Ecuadorian warmth as we dine on beautifully prepared and served meals three times a day. We hunt only for which piece of silver to lift the tasty morsels to our mouths. How sweet it is to dine on something that does not bite back. Bon Appetit!
