At least 170 captive-bred giant tortoises were released onto a Galapagos island in Ecuador last month, according to the Galapagos National Park.
The Chelonoidis vicina tortoises were bred and raised in captivity at a breeding centre on Isabela Island, the largest of the islands, and released to incorporate them into the ecosystem in the southern part of the territory.
The tortoises, aged between four and five years, had to reach a weight of 2kg and a size of 30cm before being released and underwent quarantine and veterinary evaluation.
In a statement, the Galapagos National Park reported that it will continue to release tortoises from the breeding centres to natural areas of the archipelago to strengthen endangered populations, stating that thousands of giant tortoises have returned to their natural habitat thanks to these initiatives.
