This is my likely my last post on the Galapagos Islands and like our trip, it ends on the beautiful Island of
Santa Cruz. I was surprised and a little disappointed at how developed Santa Cruz island really was. It has over 30k residents and is the bustling epicenter of the the Galapagos. Unlike mainland Ecuador, the Galapagos islands are booming economically and many people are emigrating here in search of a better life. This population shift driven in large part by tourism dollars is probably the biggest ecological risk to the Galapagos islands and its indigenous species. I found this sobering and I found myself hyper aware of my impact on my immediate surroundings. If only I could be so self aware all the time.
Visiting the
Charles Darwin Research Center and on Santa Cruz was inspiring. Amidst the island bustle, this biological research center was helping preserve the Galapagos terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The center manages several key conservation programs including giant tortoise captive breeding programs.
Donating to this worthy cause can help ensure that giant tortoise populations are protected for future generations and I would love to come back here and volunteer my time and give back.
Seeing a giant tortoise in the wild is breath taking. I watched one in particular slowly make its way to a watering hole for a drink Time passed at a surreal rate. I was astonished at the size and presence of these creatures. They can grow over 600 pounds and four feet in length and unlike turtles, they live entirely on land. Many are over 100 years old and giant tortoises first appeared on earth 250 million years ago. It is quite possible that I encountered a tortoise on Santa Cruz that also was around when Darwin first visited here. The research center releases hundreds of tortoises back into the wild from their captive breading programs all across the Galapagos islands annually and is ensuring a brighter future for this fragile ecosystem.
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