Giant Tortoises Return to Floreana Island in Galapagos Restoration Effort

FLOREANA ISLAND, Ecuador — Nearly 150 years after the last giant tortoises were removed from Floreana Island in Ecuador’s Galápagos archipelago, the species is making a comeback. Dozens of juvenile hybrids were released on Friday, February 21, 2026, to begin restoring the island’s depleted ecosystem.^[1]

The 158 newcomers, aged 8 to 13, have begun exploring their new habitat, destined to reshape the island over the coming years. Their release coincided with the arrival of the season’s first winter rains. “They are large enough to be released and can defend themselves against introduced animals such as rats and cats,” said Fredy Villalba, director of the Galápagos National Park breeding center on Santa Cruz Island, noting that the best specimens with the strongest lineage were selected specifically for Floreana.^[1]

These released juvenile specimens, part of a total of 700 planned for Floreana, carry between 40% and 80% of the genetic makeup of the Chelonoidis niger—a species that has been extinct for 150 years.^[1] The lineage of these hybrids traces back to Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island, a discovery that continues to puzzle scientists.^[1] By selecting adults with the strongest genetic makeup, the breeding program aims to gradually restore the extinct Floreana species to its former purity.

A History of Decline and Hope for Recovery

Two centuries ago, Floreana Island was home to approximately 20,000 giant tortoises. Although, whaling, a devastating fire, and relentless human exploitation led to their complete extinction on the island.^[1]

“In genetic terms, reintroducing a species to that island with a significant genetic component of the original species is vital,” biologist Washington Tapia told the Associated Press.^[1] Tapia, a researcher and director of Biodiversa-Consultores, emphasized that this process is about more than just numbers; it is about restoring a lost lineage.

Floreana Island: A Unique Ecosystem

Floreana Island, spanning approximately 173 square kilometers (67 square miles), is a volcanic landmass and the southernmost point of the Galápagos archipelago.^[1] Situated roughly 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from the mainland coast, it remains a remote and vital ecological site.^[1]

The reintroduced tortoises will share their territory with a population of nearly 200 people, as well as flamingos, iguanas, penguins, sea gulls, and hawks.^[1] However, they will also face challenges from introduced plant species such as blackberry and guava, and animals like rats, cats, pigs, and donkeys, all introduced by human activity.^[1]

Verónica Mora, a Floreana resident, described the release of the turtles as a dream come true. “We are seeing the reality of a project that began several years ago,” she said, adding that the community feels immense pride in the return of the giant tortoises.^[1]

The Galápagos Islands were designated a Natural World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1978, recognizing the islands’ unique abundance of terrestrial and marine species found nowhere else on the planet.^[1]

Gonzalo Solano contributed reporting from Quito, Ecuador.^[1]