Galapagos Giant Tortoise
The Galapagos Giant Tortoise is a South American animal that only lives on the seven islands off of the west coast of Ecuador — the Galapagos Islands. They are absolutely enormous, with full-grown adults tortoises weighing over 300 kilograms. That’s about 660 pounds !
One of the most intriguing things about them is that they outlive humans! They can live to be 100 to 150 years old. So whenever you want to visit your favorite tortoise in the Galapagos, he or she will probably still be there.
As you would expect, they are very slow moving, making their way along at about .3 km/h .. ( .18 miles per hour ). They often bask in the sun to warm their bodies ( they are cold – blooded ) and then become more active the rest of the day.
For one reason or another, probably because of their slow speed and ample supply of meat, the tortoises have been a target.
Other South American animals and humans are both predators. Major conservation efforts have kept the species from complete extinction and now the Galapagos giant tortoise is completely protected by law.
When you visit Ecuador in South America – be sure to stop by the Galapagos island to see this amazing creature!