The Galapagos Giant Tortoises are native to seven of the islands in the Galapagos. They can weigh up to 500 pounds and can live to 100. Spanish explorers, who discovered the islands in the 16th century, named them galápago meaning "tortoise." We had the chance to visit several compounds where the tortoises are bred and protected, including the Charles Darwin Research Station at Puerto Ayora.
Love this closeup and his very cute expression! I read your loss of photos story with horror -- how frustrating! My saga is continuing...getting closer to figuring out how to proceed.
