Giant Tortoise and Sea Turtle Conservation in the Galápagos

The engagement and responsiveness of IOI was incredible. Sara , our on sire Director on Isla Isabela. Her passion to educate in many areas made her very interesting and provided inspiration to want to truly be of value. <br>While I stayed with a host family, i appreciated having access to the IOI center for down time outside or to use the facilities. From a volunteering perspective, it was very hands on and i really liked contributing to the upkeep and feeding/ cleaning of the tortoise breeding center. I loved finding eggs on the grounds to label and incubate. So satisfying! And feeding was a gift i felt very privileged to do.

While my trip was full of memorable moments, I particularly enjoyed learning about the efforts the Galapagos has made to help repopulate the tortoises. I was able to witness two different nests and learn about how these nests are made as well as how the park rangers help take of these nests to ensure hatching success.

My most memorable experience would have to be spending almost every day understanding and being around giant tortoises- I never thought I could love them so much! As well as that, I have made some incredible lifelong friends through the program.