The Ministry of Environment and Energy, together with the Galápagos National Park Directorate, has completed the repatriation of 277 giant tortoises to various islands in the Galápagos archipelago. This initiative is part of a broader government effort to restore ecosystems and protect biodiversity in the region.
In February 2026, 71 Chelonoidis darwini tortoises were returned to Santiago Island. Additionally, 146 individuals from the Chelonoidis guntheri and Chelonoidis vicina species were transferred to Isabela Island, while 60 Chelonoidis donfaustoi tortoises went back to Santa Cruz Island. Before their release, all tortoises underwent strict quarantine procedures, veterinary assessments, and received microchips for scientific monitoring in their natural habitats.
The reintroduction program is managed through breeding centers located on San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz islands. These facilities help young tortoises grow safely away from invasive species and human threats. Tortoises are only released once they meet specific health and size criteria set by technical experts.
The government described this action as more than just a numerical achievement. “These 277 tortoises represent a long-term ecological strategy,” officials stated. “Giant tortoises are considered ‘ecosystem engineers’: they disperse seeds, shape vegetation, and help maintain the structure of island habitats. Their return speeds up the recovery of landscapes that have been degraded for decades.”
Officials also announced that another group of tortoises will soon be released on an island where their species has been absent for over 180 years. They said this event will be significant for ecological restoration in one of the inhabited islands.
“For the National Government, these actions consolidate a public policy based on science, inter-institutional cooperation and a forward-looking vision,” officials said. “This approach aims to prevent biodiversity loss in Galápagos and demonstrates once again that restoration is possible when there is determination, knowledge and persistence.”
