Galápagos Releases 158 Hybrid Giant Tortoises to Floreana Island for Ecosystem Restoration

For the first time in over 150 years, 158 giant tortoises have been released on Floreana Island in Ecuador's Galápagos to restore its ecosystem. These juvenile tortoises, aged 8 to 13, are hybrids carrying significant genetic ties to the extinct Chelonoidis niger species, traced to Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island. The release, guided by NASA satellite data and coordinated by the Galápagos National Park Directorate and conservation partners, aims to reestablish the tortoises' ecological role amid ongoing phased introductions.