Campo Duro Eco Lodge has, since 2004, been an essential refuge for the iconic Galápagos giant tortoises, working in close partnership with the Galápagos National Park and the local breeding centre in their efforts to rewild all 13 extant species of these incredible reptiles.
Padrino and partnership
In 2004, Michuy, the owner of Campo Duro, had the honour of becoming the first – and, to date, the only – private individual to be appointed padrino (godfather/guardian) of the giant Galápagos tortoises by the Directorate of the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Following this honourable nomination, Michuy, who has always had a deep admiration for the giant tortoises and a strong desire to contribute to their conservation, swiftly began transforming a significant portion of his farmland into a large galapaguera (enclosure) for the tortoises.
In the breeding programmets, gigant Galápagos tortoises are encouraged to breed in captivity or eggs are brought in from the wild to the breeding centres for hatching. The baby tortoises are then reared until they are large enough to be safely released into the wild.
Since 2005, Campo Duro has been welcoming these small tortoises from the local breeding centre in Isabela when they are about four years old. These tortoises live in our large galapaguera (enclosure) for 3-4 years, thriving in an environment that closely mirrors their natural habitat until they have reached an age and a size large enough to ward off predators. Once they are ready, the tortoises are released into the wild by the Galápagos National Park.
When the tortoises leave Campo Duro at around 7-8 years old, they are by the Galápagos National Park replaced by a new batch of 15-40 four-year-old tortoises. This cycle of care and release creates a beautiful circle of conservation, with Campo Duro humbly yet proudly playing a vital role in the process.
As the tortoises mature and are released, Campo Duro continues to support the broader conservation effort by welcoming new batches of young tortoises. This dynamic flow ensures that future generations of tortoises are given the best possible chance for survival, creating a seamless, sustainable circle. With every tortoise released back into the wild, the ecosystem is slowly restored, and the precious legalt of the Galápagos giant tortoises is preserved for generations to come.
This ongoing cycle represents more than just the release of tortoises into the wild – it symbolises a deep, sustainable commitment to restoring and preserving the natural balance of the Galápagos ecosystem, that Campo Duro Eco Lodge is proud of being part of. Each stage, from the careful breeding and rearing of young tortoises to their eventual return to their native environment, is part of a carefully coordinated effort. At Campo Duro we are thrilled to be an essential stepping stone in this process, where tortoises are nurtured in a protected habitat, safe from predators, until they are strong enough to thrive in the wild.
Meet our tortoises
In addition to providing a safe environment for younger tortoises on their path back to the wild and their natural habitats, Campo Duro also has long term residents. The eco-lodge serves as a sanctuary for older disabled tortoises. These tortoises, who would struggle to survive in the wild due to injury or other challenges, live out their lives in our large galapaguera, where they can enjoy a long and natural existence in a protected environment.
Despite disabilities and being unable to thrive in the wild, these tortoises find a safe home in our large galapaguera where they live long lives in an environment that closely mirrors the tortoises’ natural habitat. The peaceful surroundings and abundant space allow them to move freely, and these tortoises have become a symbol of resilience and perseverance. They remind us of the importance of providing sanctuary for those who need extra care and a safe refuge, free of the threats of predators and the pressures of the wilderness.
Our brave survivor, Nana, is a female tortoise, approximately 27-30 years old, who has been a resident at Campo Duro for the past two years. She was found in the highlands, having suffered a severe injury to one of her hind legs, likely the result of an encounter with a metal fence or similar hazard. The veterinarians at the Galápagos National Park made every effort to save her leg, but sadly, they had to amputate it in ordre for her to survive. This injury has made her slower and more vulnerable to predators, but despite this challenge, she is thriving at our tortoise refuge.
Though she is missing a leg, she continues to roam the galapaguera with a sense of quiet determination, covering great distances every day on her stump. After foraging and exploring, she enjoys long, peaceful naps in the pond, where the cool water offers a perfect respite from the warmth of the sun. She may have faced hardships, but her resilience and spirit are an inspiring reminder of the strengt of these incredible animals. She is a great example of survival and adaptation against the odds.
Our unique and remarkable Kris, is a 27 year-old female tortoise, who was hatched with a rare skin condition that causes excess skin to form around her body. This condition is most noticeable around her neck, where the extra skin completely cover her head when she pulls it into her shell, making the head disappear. The sheer amount of loose skin around her neck, legs, and tail cannot be retracted into the shell, which leaves her vulnerable to predators in the wild.
For about 22 years, she has found a safe heaven here at Campo Duro. Apart from her unusual appearance, she is a perfectly healthy and happy tortoise who enjoys walks around the enclosure, searching for her favourite plants, fruits, and flowers. She also enjoys relaxing dips in the pond and peaceful naps hidden under a bush, content in her protected environment. Her resilience and ability to thrive despite her challenges are a testament to the care and compassion we provide at Campo Duro. Kris is a beloved resident, and her unique presence enriches the lives of everyone who has the privilege of meeting her.
Mickey, over 100 years old and still the ladies’ favourite. We had the pleasure of having Mickey at Campo Duro for several years. This wise and experienced male roamed the galapaguera like a king, always responding to Michuy’s call by raising his long neck above the high grass like a periscope. Eventually, this seasoned gentleman was taken back to the breeding center to father the next generation, as he was still demonstration a remarkable vitality and seemed to be the ladies favourite.s on the coast after sunset.
THE GALÁPAGOS TORTOISES
The Galápagos tortoises are believed to have migrated from South America to the archipelago around two to three million years ago. These remarkable reptiles are among the longest-lived of all land animals, with many living over 100 years. The oldest known Galápagos tortoise lived to an impressive 175 years. They are also the world’s largest tortoises, with som individuals specimens exceeding 153 cm (5 ft) and weighing more than 260 kilos (500 pounds).
By 1835, when Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos during his famous expedition, these tortoises had already evolved into distinct yet closely related species. The similarities among the animals were so striking, that scientists long debated whether they were actually different types of the same species. Now, however, it is generally accepted that there are 13 living species of Galápagos tortoises.
The shell of the giant tortoise isn’t solid, but made of hollow structures, like air chambers. This design gives the tortoise the ability to carry its shell without being crushed beneath its weight. There are two main types of Galápagos tortoise; domed tortoises, which live in the cooler regions of the archipelago, and saddle-backed tortoises, which live in the dry, coastal environments. Saddlebacks have a unique shell shape with a flared front giving them a better range of mobility, allowing them to extend their necks to feed on tall cacti and other plants.
Although the archipelago were once home to at least 250,000 tortoises, only about 15,000 remain in the wild today. The tortoises’ decline began in the 18th and 19th centuries, when humans, primarily pirates and whalers, hunted them for food and oil. Sadly, poaching still happens in some areas. In addition, invasive species like rats, pigs, dogs, and ants threaten the tortoises by eating their eggs and hatchlings. Introduced animals like goats, cattle, pigs, and invasive plants also destroy their natural habitat.
CONSERVATION
Galápagos tortoises are protected by Ecuadorian law and under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits all international trade. In 1959, the Ecuadorian government created Galápagos National Park to protect the tortoises’ habitat.
The Initiativa Galápagos is a collaborative effort led by Galápagos Conservancy and the Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNDP). Their goal is to restore tortoise populations to their historic distribution and numbers across Galápagos, including on islands where they have gone extinct. Their effort has four main components: Research and conservation on tortoises and vegetation on targeted islands; breeding and rearing tortoises of threatened species; repopulation of islands where tortoises has gone extinct; and research and management of tortoise-human interactions and conflicts.
Captive breeding efforts in the Galápagos are showing positive results. A collaboration between the Galápagos National Park and Galápagos Conservancy has resulted in raising more than 7,000 tortoises of various species in captivity and releasing them into the wild.
FUN FACTS
- Galápagos tortoises, with a pace of about 0,3 km (0.2 mi) per hour, travel about 200-300 m (0.12-0.19) a day.
- Galápagos tortoises sleep an average of 16 hours a day. They generally sleep through the night, but also enjoy napping during the day.
- Galápagos tortoises can pull their head, tail and legs completely inside their shells, unlike a sea turtle.
- Galápagos tortoise species can breed with one another and create hybrids.
- Galápagos tortoises reach maturity when they are about 20-25 years old. They lay 2-16 eggs which hatch after 130 days. The temperature of the nest determines the Young tortoise’s sex, with warmer nests tending to yield more females.
- Galápagos tortoises have a mutualistic relationship with finches, which feed on ticks hiding in the folds of the tortoises’ skin or on the shells.
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We can arrange transportation from/to the pier/village upon request. Whether you require a pickup or a taxi service, we will ensure a smooth and reliable transfer. Please inform us of your schedule in advance.
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Unwind in the shade of our majestic, century-old mango trees. Whether you are taking a nap, listening to the birds, reading a book, or simply relaxing after a day of exploring the island, our hammock area offers the perfect spot to chill.