"Discover the Majestic Geochelone nigra: Guardians of the Galapagos Islands" In the lush Santa Cruz Highlands, a Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra porteri) peacefully grazes on tender grass, showcasing its gentle nature and impressive size. These magnificent creatures are known as Giant Tortoises (Geochelone nigra), an iconic species that has become synonymous with the Galapagos Islands. At the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, we encounter another awe-inspiring individual - a Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra). Its ancient eyes hold stories of survival and adaptation in this unique ecosystem. Sadly, these remarkable giants are classified as endangered due to habitat loss and human activities. On Floreana Island, descendants of Floreana giant tortoises hybridize with other species like Chelonoidis elephantopus. These hybrids serve as a reminder of how interconnected life is on these islands and highlight ongoing conservation efforts to preserve their genetic diversity. Moving towards Western Santa Cruz Island, we meet a portrait-worthy Western Santa Cruz giant tortoise (Chelonoidis porteri) amidst the enchanting highlands. Covered in mud from wallowing in puddles, it showcases its resilience against adversity. This particular subspecies is critically endangered due to invasive species introduction and habitat destruction. Witnessing a group of Santa Cruz giant-tortoises wallowing together brings joy but also reminds us of their critical status within the fragile ecosystem. As they share space with White-cheeked pintails (Anas bahamensis), it becomes evident that protecting one species often means safeguarding others too. Cerro El Chato reveals yet another breathtaking sight - a Galapagos giant tortoise majestically roaming through its natural habitat. The serenity captured here highlights both their importance as keystone species and our responsibility to ensure their survival.