When people visit the Galapagos, almost without fail, people ask when they will see blue-footed boobies. Certainly the boobies are colorful in both the coloration of their feet and their behavior, so it’s no wonder everyone is excited about seeing them. With that said, however, if there is one animal that symbolizes the Galapagos, it is the giant tortoise. Today was a day that we might say was dedicated to this iconic animal of the Enchanted Isles.
Our first stop was the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant tortoise rearing center. Here we learned about the encouraging work being done to preserve and reestablish the decimated populations of giant tortoises in the wild. We visited a group of male tortoises that had been pets of local people at one time. Although they cannot be released into the wild, these wonderful animals are well tended as ambassadors of their species to thousands of visitors each year.
At the rearing center, we learned about Diego, a male giant tortoise who has sired thousands of offspring that are now living freely back on his native island. In fact, Diego has sired so many offspring he has gotten the name Super Diego and he is without equal when it comes to the reestablishment of his kind. We also had the chance to see the various stages of development of the young tortoises, held at the center until they are big enough to fend off any introduced predator that may threaten their survival in the wild. It was heartening to know that such a program exists.
Then after some shopping in town, we all met up again to be transferred to the highlands for the next part of our daily adventure. The more intrepid members of our group chose to mountain bike a portion of the way to the top. Others took the opportunity to visit a local school supported by Lindblad Expeditions, while the rest of us continued to El Trapiche, a family-owned sugar cane mill. We saw how sugar cane is milled into syrup used for making sugar and a home brew, a kind of moonshine if you will. We also saw a demonstration of how they make their own coffee beans, grown locally and in a sustainable manner. It was then onto lunch before heading to a native Galapagueno farm where we had the chance to walk with giant tortoises in the wild.
It was hard to believe how many giants tortoises were just wandering around the farm. Each year the giant tortoises migrate onto the farm while making an annual journey from the lowlands to the highlands and back again. To sit and watch the tortoises graze on the rich grass, wallow in ponds, and meander freely on the farm and in the surrounding forest was truly a time to remember.
After returning to town, we had the chance for more shopping or exploration on our own before heading back to the National Geographic Endeavour. To cap off the day, we were entertained by a local dance troupe till it was time for bed.
