A Happier New Year!!

Española Tortoises Go Home!

During the August Chapter meeting, Chapter President Bob Hazard touched upon this important and extraordinary project which has been taking place in the Galápagos Islands. This past June 15, 2020, Galápagos Conservancy and the Galápagos National Park Directorate released the original group of 15 reproductive adult Española tortoises (Chelonoidis hoodensis) back to their island of origin as part of the Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative (GTRI). This tortoise species had been decimated by the early visits of man and the introduction of goats to the islands.

During Bob's trip to the Galápagos Islands in 2017, he was fortunate to have seen part of this program in person and lightly covered it during his presentation, "Turtles, Tortoises, and Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands". This Friday evening based upon some input from the Galápagos Conservancy, of which he is a member, Bob will bring us up to date on the progress.

Medical Update on Conan & Gus

Karen Berry, our chapter Adoption Team Chair and resident "veterinarian nurse", will also give us an update on two of our tortoise patients – Conan and Gus, who have both been through a couple rounds of surgery. There are several lessons and caveats to be learned from these medical cases. Be sure to tune in via Zoom this Friday evening to find out how we can avoid the causes of these maladies and have our tortoises live longer and healthier lives.