Rescuing Darwin's Endangered Tortoises

A Greenheart Volunteer Finds Community

Sitting atop the equator, lies the charming island of Isabela, the largest and most diverse of all the Galapagos Islands.  With the richest species of animal, bird, and marine life, including the famous land tortoises, Isabela is home to one of CCI’s Greenheart Volunteer Abroad projects. Here you have the opportunity to gain a greater understanding and respect for the environment, experience the welcoming culture of the local Ecuadorians, and give back to our planet by helping protect these endangered tortoises.

Daily life at the Tortoise Breeding Center can be quite eye-opening, just ask our CCI Greenheart Volunteer, Vicky Fligel, who spent 10 days this fall working with the tortoises. Each morning, Vicky would feed the tortoises, clean the cages, mark their shells to track and observe them and watch any new eggs hatch.  “I learned a lot about tortoises, their lifecycle, mating practices and what they eat! They move so slow, you really have time to just be amazed!” It wasn’t only this experience that left her breathless. In the afternoon Vicky would walk along the beautiful beaches or explore other parts of the island. “It was so nice to be in such a peaceful place. Since you are not in a very touristy area, you feel completely immersed in your surroundings.”  You can take a few steps back, relax, and enjoy the natural habitat. 

However, Vicky’s experience was more than just volunteering with the tortoises or staying on the famous Galapagos Islands; it was also getting to know the people that help protect this sacred space. By staying with a host family, Vicky was able to gain a deeper understanding of daily Ecuadorian life, taste some traditional cuisine like no restaurant could ever serve, and speak a new language that was not too familiar.  Her host family was warm and welcoming and she enjoyed having other international volunteers close by.  By the end of her program, Vicky had gained a greater confidence and a taste for alternative travel. Her flexibility and open-mindedness allowed her to make the most at every turn and her love of a new country and culture has inspired her to continue learning Spanish in order to return someday!   

Learn more about our Greenheart Volunteer program in Ecuador

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