Doodoo stains on fingers, caked dirt beneath nails. #36 snaps at the air. The baby tortoise’s vision is impaired; he was born with one eyeball. He extends his neck and opens his mouth, chomping on the illusion of food. Another tortoise extends her neck too. She is many times the size of #36. Her name is Ingrid (later it's learned that she is referred to as engriedo (affectionate), but since my Spanish sucks, it's been understood as: her name is Ingrid.) She moves with heavy footsteps towards volunteers, exhales long grunts and lifts her head, allowing us to pet her leathery skin.
Side-by-side, #36 and "Ingrid" are a representation of the positive effects of giant tortoise conservation. The center's Director mentions that it takes 40 years to ensure the reproduction of one specie. Subtract two-hundred years and the scenery for these creatures was vastly different. During this time, pirates and whalers sought them for food. Non-endemic species (rats, crows, goats..) were introduced to their remote habitation which also devastated their population so much that today a few species of giant tortoises are extinct. The Pinta specie, near the brink of its existence, has one member left standing: Lonesome George, who hangs out at the Darwin Center. It's remarked that should he not find a lover, cloning him may be considered.
Observing #36 chomping the air -- given that a giant tortoises' lifespan often exceeds 100yrs renders the thought that he will likely outlive every human being on Earth at the present moment and witness the evolution of the world into the next century.
#36 (photo courtesy of C.Y)
perspective on size (thanks Amy :) )
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Hammock Land conversations: Carolyn mentions, "the future is in the second".
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