This page contains photos of the Galapagos Giant Tortoise and the Sea Turtle. The name Galapagos originated from the Spanish word meaning saddle after the saddle backed tortoises once found in abundance on the islands. The Galapagos Giant Tortoise may weigh up to 250kg.and are the largest living tortoises in the world. They are vegetarians and eat a variety of plants. Giant tortoises are known for their water storage abilities and drought resistance. They can go for long periods without food or water by metabolizing the fat in their bodies. As a result, during whaling times in the 1800's, tortoises were a main source of fresh meat for sailors. They were stored upside down in the holds of ships, staying alive for up to a year without food or water. As a result of hunting, many species of Giant Tortoises on the Galapagos are extinct or close to extinction, with some islands having lost all or most of their Giant Tortoise population. The Darwin Research Center has a program to try to reintroduce and repopulate some of those islands. The most famous of these is Lonesome George, the last of his species from Pinto Island. At over 80 years of age, the Research Center is attempting to breed George with females from another island, but so far to no avail.

The Pacific Green Sea Turtle is not endemic to the Galapagos. It is a common sight when snorkeling around the islands. Females come a shore during breeding season to lay their eggs in the sand.

Fred at Darwin Research Station Entrance	Lonesome George chased by a female!	Baby Giant Tortoises bred at Darwin Research Station
Dinner Time	A Shy One	Carsons Enjoying the Giant Tortoises
Photographers shooting giant tortoise with vermillion flycatcher on his back	Giant Tortoise and Vermillion Flycatcher	Vermillion Flycatcher on Giant Tortoise
Whatcha Lookin' At?	Giant Tortoise finds a Meal	Giant Tortoises Enjoy Watering Hole
Sea Turtle Seen While Snorkeling	Sea Turtle Thinks About Coming Ashore	Sea Turtle Nesting Area

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