Galápagos giant tortoises are impressive creatures. First characteristic of note is their immense size. They can reach nearly 900 pounds and grow to six feet long. Also impressive is their life span. They live well into their hundreds, and one captive individual even made it to his 170th birthday. I photographed this guy at a pond in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, the second largest island in the archipelago. There were about ten tortoises cooling off during the heat of mid day. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 35mm) ISO 800, f/14 at 1/320th of a second
What a magnificent creature. A very unusual historical fact about these tortoises: sailors from Spain and such, in search of new land and places, used to stop and pick them up and let them roam the decks of their ships, since they required little food or water, and made excellent food for the sailors throughout their long voyages. I think it did have an affect on their numbers, at one time. The tortoises could go up to almost a year with little to no food or water and still be good eating. They were placid, too, so easy to capture, you just needed some strong sailors to heave them aboard…
My dad loves maritime books, most especially the Spanish explorers and survival at sea type stories, so I was fascinated with this bit of sailing lore. Of course, I am always on the side of the tortoise and would prefer not to eat one, myself. Their shells made good vessels for storage and trade, as well.
I wonder if tortoises get seasick?
Thanks for a picture of this magnificent beauty, Sean. As always, love your daily post.
About 10 years ago, while exploring the jungles of Homestead Florida, I saw one of these monsters that was the size of a Volkswagen. As Misty and I pulled up I said to her, “There’s no way that’s a turtle.” Even 3 feet away from it, it looked fake.
I think this where the saying turle soup comes from, of the saloir who ate them as their main meals while on their long jounrys at sea, ect. ) great pic.
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Galápagos giant tortoises are impressive creatures. First characteristic of note is their immense size. They can reach nearly 900 pounds and grow to six feet long. Also impressive is their life span. They live well into their hundreds, and one captive individual even made it to his 170th birthday. I photographed this guy at a pond in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, the second largest island in the archipelago. There were about ten tortoises cooling off during the heat of mid day.
siiiigh, I just love these big turtles..so awesome Sean!!
They are awesome. Thanks Bridget.
Once soup for visitors—-Protected we rest in midday heat—-Under a carapace parasol.
What a magnificent creature. A very unusual historical fact about these tortoises: sailors from Spain and such, in search of new land and places, used to stop and pick them up and let them roam the decks of their ships, since they required little food or water, and made excellent food for the sailors throughout their long voyages. I think it did have an affect on their numbers, at one time. The tortoises could go up to almost a year with little to no food or water and still be good eating. They were placid, too, so easy to capture, you just needed some strong sailors to heave them aboard…
My dad loves maritime books, most especially the Spanish explorers and survival at sea type stories, so I was fascinated with this bit of sailing lore. Of course, I am always on the side of the tortoise and would prefer not to eat one, myself. Their shells made good vessels for storage and trade, as well.
I wonder if tortoises get seasick?
Thanks for a picture of this magnificent beauty, Sean. As always, love your daily post.
Great story Melissa. I mean, not great that people were eating tortoises, but interesting info. Thanks.
Amazing shot Sean!! Not only is the main tortoise incredible, but the two in the background along with the pond and the sky make this just perfect!
Thanks Alan. It’s nice to photograph, a somewhat, non-moving target every now and again.
About 10 years ago, while exploring the jungles of Homestead Florida, I saw one of these monsters that was the size of a Volkswagen. As Misty and I pulled up I said to her, “There’s no way that’s a turtle.” Even 3 feet away from it, it looked fake.
Wow! It is a wonder the pond is large enough to hold them.
awesomely huge and slow creatures,
Shout out to George.
Yes, the legendary Lonesome George.
I think this where the saying turle soup comes from, of the saloir who ate them as their main meals while on their long jounrys at sea, ect. ) great pic.