Conservation was the definite topic of the day as the Polaris anchored in front of Santa Cruz, the second largest island in Galapagos. Although not the capital of the province, it is the touristic and conservation nerve center of the archipelago. The highlight of the day was to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, with its growth in captivity programs. The one usually opened to the public is the giant tortoise program, aimed at rescuing this unique creature, but one of the other endangered species is the land iguana, also raised in captivity here. Both animals are then repatriated to their islands. This program is usually closed to the public due to the shy nature of the iguana, but because of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Galapagos being declared a National Park, we all had the very special treat of being able to visit this special site.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 08 Jul 1999
From the Polaris in the Galapagos, 7/8/1999, National Geographic Polaris
- Aboard the National Geographic Polaris
- Galápagos
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