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DAY TEN ~ Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Station

Our tour on Santa Cruz Island begins with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Probably the most interesting character at the Darwin Research Station was "Lonesome George"

The island where his genus originated had no low lying grasses or vegetation, only higher scrub brushes. Hence the adaption of the unique uplifted curve in his shell to allow his neck to stretch up to reach the leaves on the higher branches. He is 70 years old, with a harem of females. Georges' craggy face and mournful eyes seem to convey the immense responsibility that goes with being the very last member of your species. Discovered by goat hunters in 1971 on the Galapagos Island of Pinta, Lonesome George is the last tortoise of his particular genus. He was transferred to the Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island in an attempt to mate him with females who are most closely related to him, genetically. Until recently all attempts to arouse him have failed. But now, at the age of 70, George has finally reached tortoise adolescence (he can expect to live to at least 300 years) and has become interested in the opposite sex. His mating habits are being carefully monitored and several clutches of eggs have been discovered. Hopes are high that fertile baby tortoises will be the result.

We begin our tour down a very pleasant walkway towards the exhibits.

A statue depicting a Park Ranger, and caretaker of this important research facility.

There is an extensive nursery of indigenous plants which I was told are being raised to encourage the locals
to use them in their gardens rather than introduced species, thus further maintaining the purity of the islands.

I make a feeble attempt at a candid shot of Jennie as she admires the nursery, but she's
too quick. I'd never make a good replacement for Alan Funt of Candid Camera. LOL

The nursery was quite extensive, with many varieties, including the Galápagos Bonsái.

We make our way to a local feeding area, where several large tortoises gathered. We must
have just missed feeding time, as they were just cleaning up tiny scraps still on the ground

These are some pretty huge tortoises. It must require a lot of strength to lift those massive bodies to walk.

They use their tongues to pick up a morsel of green. That's what I call licking the plate clean.

More giant tortoises to come in Chapter Sixteen