SNAP!

[#1]

The Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos Islands. One of the most recognizable symbols of these islands are the slow-moving massive turtles. With weights over 500 pounds, the Galapagos Tortoises are among the largest on earth and can live more than 150 years.

 

These gentle giants are vegetarians and maintain their bulk eating grass, cactus fruit and flowers. They are believed to have come to the Galapagos Islands from South America, possibly floating over on logs and timber.

Hundreds of thousands of tortoises occupied the Galapagos when man arrived. For thousands of years these animals had gone unhampered by predators. Ideally suited for rugged life in the Galapagos, tortoises were able to survive with little food and water during times of drought.

As the buccaneers, whalers and fisherman arrived in the islands they hunted tortoises as a source of meat. These same men brought pigs, goats, horses and cows whose existence in the islands threatened young tortoises. They ate the little vegetation that existed in the island and their hooves crushed tortoise eggs and the soft shells of young tortoises. 

In 1969, the Galapagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station were established and began steps to protect the remaining species of tortoises…all of which were by then endangered. One of their top priorities was to stabilize the environment for these gentle creatures.

Today, the tortoises are rebounding, and while many are no longer are considered officially endangered, they remain protected to ensure their survival.

My daughter, Sarah, and I had the chance to see these magnificent and gentle animals up-close. It remains one of our favorite destinations. The Galapagos Islands offer a unique and intimate opportunity to view spectacular marine and wildlife.

[#2]

Where do you stay when you go to the Galapagos Islands?  Do they have eco-resorts, hostels, hotels, campsites, B&Bs...? I also wonder if they have any limits on the number of visitors so as not to disturb the natural habitat.  What an incredible experience for you and your daughter.  I hope to have the chance to go someday, too.

[#3]

I am envious!  That trip is on my bucket list, that's for sure.  I can't imagine how cool it must be to be able to sit mere feet away from such a majestic creature.  I never thought that there would be limits on the amount of visitors, but now that Scout mentioned it, it makes sense.