Today we woke up with a wonderful view of Puerto Ayora, the capital of Santa Cruz Island and the largest human settlement of this enchanted archipelago. All our guests have great expectations to observe the most emblematic animal species of the Galápagos Islands, the magnificent giant tortoises. We spent the morning visiting one of the longest running and most successful conservation projects run by the Galapagos National Park Service, the captive breeding and release program of the giant tortoises of the Galapagos.
In the breeding center we had the chance to appreciate firsthand the titanic efforts that have been done in order to save the giant tortoises from extinction and to recover vanishing populations. These enormous antediluvian-looking creatures are truly fascinating to observe. From baby tortoises the size of a doughnut to huge individuals that can easily reach three to four hundred pounds, the tortoises had all the attention from our guests. Lots of pictures were taken as souvenirs from these encounters.
One remarkable example found in these installations is the case of the Española giant tortoises. There were only twelve females and two males surviving in the wild of this saddleback subspecies. These individuals, roaming on their own over the small island had zero breeding success due to their low population density. They were therefore taken to the breeding center to begin a long and successful repatriation program. Later on, a male from the same species was miraculously found in the San Diego Zoological Society and joined the small group very successfully, becoming the proud procreator of hundreds of baby tortoises that have since been repatriated to Española. I am talking about Diego or as he is aptly called Super Diego! An individual who has gained admiration through the years and who is considered the one who has replaced our disappeared Lonesome George becoming a symbol for conservation as the late George was.
After this enlightening visit, we spent some time exploring Puerto Ayora town. We then continued to the highlands to visit a sugar cane press where we learnt how some locals make a living cultivating coffee and sugar cane. Some guests opted to visit a local school while others preferred to ride mountain bikes.
After lunch in a paradisiacal location in the highlands, we explored the luxury green Galápagos highlands. We observed the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. It was amazing to find so many of these reptiles roaming free in the wild. We left the giant tortoise territory behind and headed back to town and then to the National Geographic Endeavour. After dinner we had a party with lively music played by a local band that came onboard accompanied by beautiful dancing girls who wore typical Ecuadorian dresses. In fact we all felt a little tired for it has been a long day in our expedition but it was worthy for our minds and hearts are now fulfilled with fascinating new memories and discoveries.
