Giant tortoises return to Ecuador's Galapagos archipelago after almost 150 years

Juvenile giant tortoises being placed on Floreana Island after they were transported from a breeding centre in Santa Cruz Island. — Photos: AP

Nearly 150 years after the last giant tortoises were removed from Floreana Island in Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, the species made a comeback recently, when dozens of juvenile hybrids were released to begin restoring the island’s depleted ecosystem.

The 158 newcomers, aged eight to 13, have begun exploring the habitat they are destined to reshape over the coming years.