We missed seeing the Charles Darwin Tortoise Breeding Centre on Santa Cruz so couldn't miss the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre on Isabela which is just about 1 mile from Puerto Villamil.
These tortoises are the largest on the planet and can grow up to 800 lbs. These breeding centres are a valuable asset to the Galapagos as they attempt to encourage breeding and release these large creatures back into the wild. Their numbers have decreased from 1/4 million to 3000 since sailors and early settlers came to see them as food. These majestic animals can be easily approached and grabbed. Because they live for weeks or months without food or water, they could easily live in the hold of a ship for long periods of time.
There were 11 species of Galapagos Giant Tortoise until Lonesome George died on June 24, 2012. Now there are 10 species. Isabela has 5 distinct species that have developed due to the volcanic nature of the island. Each volcano has its own species.
At this breeding centre feeding happens 3 times a week and we were lucky enough to be there on a feeding day.
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| Smallest tortoise we saw |
We also caught sight of some tortoise lovin'.
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