If you are wondering how the Galapagos Islands were named and its origin, the answer is very simple: from the tremendous amount of Galapagos turtles that inhabit the islands.
Scientists,
volunteers and students from around the world flock to the islands to study
about the majestic creature called the Galapagos turtle. Any trip to the
Galapagos islands will certainly including watching this creatures in
amazement, and what better way to learn about these magical islands including,
the conservation efforts to preserve the islands, the issues threatening the
eco-system all while having the opportunity these giant Tortoises in their
natural setting.
If you choose to stay in Puerto Ayora, before casting off in your boat of
choice, be sure to make time to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here
you will gain an amazing education of the islands' geography, eco-system, wild
life, and climate as well as a up close and personal view of some of the most
amazing wildlife that has made these islands the go to destination for some
many wild life lovers.
CharlesDarwin Research Centre is located on Santa Cruz (a very cool and one of kind
destination). The research center is a
foundation and driving force of the conservation, environmental and
biodiversity efforts to maintain the islands in their pristine state. The research center plays a crucial role
educating the public the role all must play in the conservation efforts of this
one of a kind destination
Another of the research center’s efforts is
to collect some of the tortoise eggs and raise them until they are large enough
to survive own their own. Evasive creatures such as dogs and rodents, brought
ashore from mankind, pose a threat to the young turtles, and the research
centers efforts insure a viable future for the turtles inhabiting the islands.
While visiting the research center, you can see the baby turtles being raised
before being released in the wild. Also, large orphaned pet are adopted by the
agency, and set free to roam the islands. Once released, the animals are
tracked by the research center to monitor their activities for research
purposes providing additional knowledge required to ensure the longevity of the
wild life here.
I highly recommend a visit to the research center. It offers viewing of some of
the most spectacular wild life on the planet without the zoo like feeling.
At the
end of the tour, don’t forget you’ll have some fantastic photography
opportunities where you can pose with some of the gentle giants. This is the place to come to get up close and
personal with a giant tortoise and to pose for that classic photo of a
lifetime.
If you
closely, you may notice that the tortoise has a number etched into its
carapace. I have seen people going around checking tortoises' numbers to find
their lucky to take a photo of themselves with the lucky numbered turtle. I've
already got plenty of pictures of myself, so I'm giving the next opportunity to
take the next photo with some lucky and sexy turtle.
The most notably and popular turtle in
the world was Lonesome George, the last giant turtle species who lived 130
years, but unfortunately he pasted away two years ago. Poor George!
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