Giant tortoises return to Galápagos island after nearly 200 years
One hundred and fifty eight captive-bred juvenile tortoises were released on the Galápagos island of Floreana.
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Notable Quotes
"This moment marks an important step toward a future where conservation and community wellbeing go hand in hand, because our livelihoods, from tourism to agriculture and fishing, depend on the health of this island."
— Verónica Mora , Activist
"Giant tortoises are a critical part of this system."
— Rakan Zahawi , Executive
"This release is the result of patience, science, and sustained collaboration."
— Dr. James Gibbs , Academic
"This is exactly the kind of project where NASA Earth observations make a difference."
— Keith Gaddis , Academic
"It's a huge deal to have these tortoises back on this island. Charles Darwin was one of the last people to see them there."
— James Gibbs , Academic
Key People
A conservation scientist involved in the efforts to restore giant tortoises to Floreana.
Vice President of Science and Conservation for Galápagos Conservancy.
Manager for NASA Earth Action’s Biological Diversity and Ecological Forecasting program.
The executive director of the Charles Darwin Foundation.
A Floreana community representative involved in conservation efforts.
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All Coverage
One hundred and fifty eight captive-bred juvenile tortoises were released on the Galápagos island of Floreana.
A photo gallery showcasing juvenile tortoises bred to return to Floreana Island, highlighting a milestone in conservation efforts.
158 Floreana-lineage giant tortoises have been released onto Floreana Island, marking a historic milestone in ecological restoration.
NASA satellite data has been instrumental in reintroducing giant tortoises to Floreana Island, aiding in habitat suitability assessments.
158 juvenile hybrid tortoises, aged 8 to 13, have been released on Floreana Island as part of a major ecological restoration project.
158 juvenile giant tortoises, descended from the extinct Floreana subspecies, have been reintroduced to Floreana Island in a significant ecological restoration effort.
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