Diego: The Tortoise Who Saved His Species

Imagine a tortoise so charismatic and prolific that he single-handedly saved his species from the brink of extinction! Meet Diego, a Galápagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis hoodensis) who became a conservation hero. Born around 1910 on Española Island, part of the Galápagos archipelago, Diego was relocated to the San Diego Zoo in California in the 1930s. In the 1970s, he was brought back to the Galápagos to participate in a breeding program aimed at reviving his dwindling species. Why? Because by then, only two males and twelve females of his kind remained on Española Island, and Diego's genetic diversity was crucial for the survival of his species.

Diego's journey from the San Diego Zoo back to his native Española Island was part of a larger conservation effort led by the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation. The program was initiated in the 1960s when scientists realized that the Española tortoise population was critically endangered due to human activities and introduced species. Diego's role was pivotal; he fathered an estimated 800 offspring, contributing significantly to the population's recovery. His efforts, along with those of other tortoises in the program, have increased the population to over 2,000 individuals today.

Diego's story is a testament to the power of conservation and the impact one individual can have on an entire species. His return to Española Island in 2020 marked the successful completion of the breeding program, allowing him to live out his days in his natural habitat. Diego's legacy continues to inspire conservationists and animal lovers worldwide, reminding us of the importance of preserving biodiversity and the incredible resilience of nature when given a chance to recover.