The day started off with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station on the island of Santa Cruz. The station has a small museum dedicated to the wildlife and history of Galapagos but is most notable for its breeding programs. Financed by the Ecuadorian government and a number of private firms, the center specializes in captive breeding programs for tortoises from different islands.
A big hit is ‘Diego’, over a hundred years old and a tortoise of an endangered species from Espanola Island. Evidently, none of the males on the island ever encountered females and ‘forgot’ how to procreate. Diego was brought in from a zoo in San Diego (hence his name) to teach the bucks how to perform. Per our guides, Diego has fathered over 1000 decedents and brought the species back from extinction. Well done Diego!!
In the afternoon we took a short bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to giant tortoises. The landscape changes as we move up in elevation through all seven vegetation zones found in the Galapagos. The higher altitudes are humid and lush – home to the big tortoises. They are EVERYWHERE and huge. Absolutely amazing!!
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The Charles Darwin Research Station was very informative. Their breeding program is quite substantial. It’s great they are working to protect the abundance and diversity of these special creatures. After we toured the research station, we had time to explore the small town. We found an art gallery that has some of the most amazing textile art pieces you can imagine. They were all begging to be taken home, but; not this time.
In the central square is a small ‘fish market’ where two older women are cutting up the days catch. An obviously old sea lion is hanging out between the two women, he appears to be the ‘garbage disposal’. Also hanging out are two Pelicans and a young sea lion on an adjacent bench. Later, our group gets on the pangas and heads out to an offshore lunch at a local resort. There is a very nice cocktail greeting and buffet lunch. We then take the pangas back to the dock and get onboard the buses to a ranch that hosts the giant tortoises during their annual migration. Such a sight to see. These creatures are 80-100 years old, so wise looking. Can’t imagine what they think about us.
While waiting for the pangas to take us back to the boat, there was a momma sea lion sleeping on a park bench and the baby was nursing. All was well until the baby decided he wanted to get on the park bench too. Mom was not happy!
A great day – then back to the boat for dinner. On board, we have special after dinner entertainment. First, we have the captains farewell toast with a special cocktail concocted by Felipe, then a local band and dancers were transported to the ship to showcase native music and dance. Afterwards, all the guests were given ‘Galapagos’ critter designations and a special certificate. Dick will be known as a ‘Flightless Cormorant,’ and I am a ‘Whale Shark’.
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