Extinct Giant Tortoises Return to Galápagos Island After 150 Years
Finn's Take· TL;DR- Giant tortoises returned to Floreana Island after 150 years of extinction, with 158 juveniles released in February 2026 as part of restoration efforts.
- Reintroduced tortoises carry 40-80% genetic makeup of the extinct Chelonoidis niger species, bred from descendants discovered on Wolf Volcano with Floreana ancestry.
- Tortoises serve as ecosystem engineers, facilitating recovery of native species including birds, snails, and reptiles while helping restore Floreana's ecological balance.
A Historic Homecoming
After vanishing from Floreana Island for nearly 150 years, giant tortoises have returned to their ancestral home in the Galápagos. On February 20, 2026, conservationists released 158 juvenile tortoises in a ceremony marking the start of this historic reintroduction . Local resident Verónica Mora described the release as "a dream come true," adding that the community feels immense pride in the return of the giant tortoises .
Two centuries ago, Floreana was home to approximately 20,000 giant tortoises. However, whaling, a devastating fire, and relentless human exploitation eventually led to their complete extinction on the island . Charles Darwin was among the last people to see them there , visiting the island in 1835 during his famous voyage.
The 158 newcomers, aged 8 to 13, have begun exploring the habitat they are destined to reshape over the coming years. Their release was perfectly timed with the arrival of the season's first winter rains .
Genetic Resurrection Through Science
These aren't quite the same tortoises that once roamed Floreana. They carry between 40% and 80% of the genetic makeup of the Chelonoidis niger—a species that has been extinct for 150 years . In 2000, scientists made an unexpected discovery, finding unusual tortoises on northern Isabela Island's Wolf Volcano that did not look like any other known living tortoises .
Genetic studies revealed that some tortoises living on Wolf Volcano carried ancestry from Floreana — the last living descendants of a lineage long believed to be lost, likely due to historical whaling practices that involved offloading animals before long sea voyages . By selecting adults with the strongest genetic makeup, the breeding program aims to gradually bring the extinct Floreana species back to its former purity .
These released juvenile specimens, out of a total of 700 planned for Floreana, will be introduced gradually . They are large enough to be released and can defend themselves against introduced animals such as rats and cats .
Ecosystem Engineering at Work
The tortoise release is part of the larger Floreana Ecological Restoration Project, which aims to remove invasive species like rats and feral cats and eventually return 12 native animal species to the island, with tortoises serving as the keystone for rebuilding the ecosystem . What is essential is that they will carry out their fundamental role as ecosystem engineers .
Endemic bird populations, such as the small ground finch, are healthier, with more individuals. The island has also seen the rediscovery of the Pachay bird, unseen since Darwin's visit in 1835, and the recovery of native snails not seen alive for over a century. Lizard and gecko populations have also surged .
The tortoises reintroduced to Floreana will share their territory with a diverse population of nearly 200 people alongside flamingos, iguanas, penguins, sea gulls and hawks. However, they must also contend with introduced plant species such as blackberry and guava, as well as animals like rats, cats, pigs and donkeys .
A Model for Global Conservation
NASA satellite data comes in to help map environmental conditions across the islands and track how vegetation, moisture, and temperature shift over time. Using those records, scientists built a decision tool that combines satellite measurements of habitat and climate conditions with millions of field observations of tortoise locations across the archipelago to guide where, and when, to release the animals .
Successful implementation of this project in Galápagos can serve as an inspiring model for conservation efforts worldwide. By protecting and restoring these unique ecosystems, we not only safeguard the natural heritage of the Galápagos Archipelago but also reaffirm the global commitment to conserving our planet and the rich diversity of life it holds .
If successful, Floreana Island could once again support a large tortoise population, helping restore relationships between animals, plants, and the landscape that shaped the island for thousands of years . This remarkable project demonstrates how cutting-edge science, international collaboration, and community support can literally bring species back from the brink of extinction.