Young giant tortoises stolen on Galapagos

puerto baquerizo moreno - Thieves have stolen 123 young giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands. The animals were taken from a breeding center on Isabela, the largest island of the Galapagos. The prosecution has started an investigation. The perpetrators can face up to ten years in prison if they are caught.

The natural Ecuadorian Galapagos Islands are known for the giant turtles. One of the best known was Lonesome George, who jumped at the age of about 100 in June 2012. He was the last tortoise of a group from the island of La Pinta.

The other species are also threatened. To increase their chances of survival, the eggs are hatched and taken care of at a research center before they are released in nature.