They grow slow and steady, reaching adult size in about 40 years. Unfortunately many of these babes will not reach their 10th birthday. At one time, sailors slaughtered Galapagos tortoises for fresh meat. Now introduced animals, such as rats, cats, dogs, and goats prey on the eggs and hatchlings and destroy the tortoises habitat. As a result, the Galapagos tortoise has been placed on the Endangered Species List.
Many people are surprised at the size of our Galapagos tortoise.
But if you think about it, she is just baby in size, weight, and age as far as tortoises go. And to top it off, she has a baby-sweet disposition. Keanna Leonard is education curator at the Grand Isle Heritage Zoo. Post your thoughts in The Public Forum. All rights reserved.