Giant Tortoises Return to Floreana Island

Nearly two centuries after their disappearance, giant tortoises are helping bring new life to a Galápagos island.

In February 2026, a remarkable conservation milestone took place in the Galápagos Islands as 158 giant tortoises were returned to Floreana Island for the first time in more than 180 years. The historic release marked a significant step towards restoring the island’s unique ecosystem and bringing back a species that had been lost from its natural habitat for generations.

The reintroduction was led by the Galápagos National Park Directorate and the Galápagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency, working alongside Fundación Jocotoco, the Charles Darwin Foundation and Island Conservation. The project forms part of a wider ecological restoration programme launched more than a decade ago, bringing together scientists, conservation organisations, government agencies and local communities with a shared ambition: to restore Floreana’s natural balance and protect its extraordinary biodiversity.

Before the tortoises could return, years of preparation were needed to create an environment in which they could thrive. Invasive species were systematically removed, and native habitats were restored to help establish a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. This careful groundwork laid the foundations for the tortoises to reclaim their place in the island’s landscape.

Among those present to witness the release was Ana Esteves, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations for Lindblad Expeditions. Watching the tortoises take their first steps into their new home offered a powerful reminder of what long-term collaboration and dedication can achieve.

The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund has proudly supported restoration work on Floreana for more than a decade, with over $1 million in guest contributions helping advance conservation efforts across the island. This ongoing commitment reflects the important role that responsible travel can play in supporting the protection and recovery of the places that inspire exploration.

Giant tortoises are far more than an iconic symbol of the Galápagos. As they move through their environment, they help shape the landscape, create pathways, redistribute nutrients and disperse seeds. These natural processes support native vegetation and contribute to the regeneration of habitats, making the tortoises an essential part of the island’s ecological balance.

Their return therefore represents much more than the reintroduction of a single species. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in Floreana’s recovery, with the potential to support wider biodiversity and strengthen the ecosystem for future generations. The presence of younger tortoises also offers hope for the development of a self-sustaining population, allowing the species to thrive on the island once again.

The achievement is a testament to what can happen when scientific expertise, community involvement and sustained conservation efforts come together. While restoration is a long-term process, the release of these 158 tortoises is a significant milestone in the journey towards a healthier, more balanced Floreana.

For National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, the project also highlights the meaningful connection between exploration and conservation. Through continued collaboration and support, travel can help protect the natural wonders of the world, ensuring that extraordinary places such as the Galápagos remain vibrant and full of life for generations to come.

Project supported the LEX-NG Fund:

Floreana Island Restoration Project – is enabling the return of native species like the giant tortoise in Galápagos and laying the groundwork for future reintroductions, including the Floreana racer snake and Floreana mockingbird