158 Giant Tortoises Released on Galápagos Island Where They'd Been Extinct for 180 Years

For the first time in over 180 years, a giant tortoise population is once again walking the landscapes of Floreana Island — launching the largest restoration effort ever undertaken on the Galápagos islands. 158 juvenile giant tortoises of Floreana lineage were released this week into their ancestral habitat, marking a historic milestone for the archipelago. Driven to extinction in the mid-1800s, the Floreana giant tortoise (Chelonoidis niger niger) had been absent from the island for generations. Its return signals the beginning of a new phase of rewilding under the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project. 'The Project represents one of the greatest challenges undertaken by the Galápagos National Park,' said Lorena Sánchez, the park's director. 'After years of sustained, science-based work — requiring rigorous studies and patience — the return of the giant tortoises reflects a long-term restoration vision focused on restoring the ecological functionality of Floreana's ecosystems.' The Floreana community of approximately 160 residents has been deeply involved in achieving this milestone, from participating in planning workshops to supporting long-term ecological monitoring. Community engagement has already contributed to notable conservation successes, including the rediscovery of the Galápagos Rail, a rare bird that had not been recorded on the island since Charles Darwin's first visit. 'For generations, Floreana existed without its giant tortoises,' said Verónica Mora, the community's representative. 'Their return shows what is possible when a community leads and many partners come together with a shared purpose. Our livelihoods, from tourism to agriculture and fishing, depend on the health of this island.' The tortoises released this week are the result of decades of genetic scientific research led by the Galápagos National Park Directorate. Genetic studies conducted years ago discovered that some tortoises living on the slopes of Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island carried significant Floreana DNA — likely descended from Floreana tortoises moved by whalers and pirates centuries ago. Through a careful selective breeding program at the Galápagos National Park's breeding centre, scientists have been working to restore the Floreana lineage. The 158 juveniles released represent a carefully chosen group with the highest percentage of Floreana genetics. The release is part of the broader Floreana Ecological Restoration Project, which also involves removing invasive species that have devastated native wildlife. The project has already seen remarkable results, including the return of several native bird species. For conservationists worldwide, the return of the Floreana giant tortoise is a powerful symbol: with enough patience, science, and community commitment, even extinction can sometimes be reversed.