Giant Tortoise Collection

Giant tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus vandenburghi), Isla Sant Cruz, Galapagos Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

Lonesome George Giant Galapagos Tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus abingdoni) from Pinta Island, Galapagos Islands

Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild (1868-1937)
Lord Rothschild, founder of the Natural History Museum at Tring, riding on the back of a giant tortoise

C. M. Harris tending 29 live Galapagos Tortoises, 1898
The Tortoises were collected on the Webster-Harris expedition & were en-route to Walter Rothschilds collection. Probably photographed in Hyde Park, Massachusetts

Galapagos giant tortoise thermoregulation
Galapagos giant tortoises (Geochelone nigra vandenburghi) gather in volcanically heated thermal pools to keep warm overnight at altitude

Head of a giant tortoise, Prison Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

A small girl, Betty, holds out a stick with an apple on the end to lead
3083353 A small girl, Betty, holds out a stick with an apple on the end to lead the Giant Tortoise she is riding, London Zoo, 1924 (b/w photo) by Bond

Male Abingdon or Pinta Island Giant Tortoise at London Zoo, 20th January 1914 (b / w photo)
1762497 Male Abingdon or Pinta Island Giant Tortoise at London Zoo, 20th January 1914 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942); Zoological Society of London; (add.info)

A small girl, Betty, holds out a stick with an apple on the end to lead
3086224 A small girl, Betty, holds out a stick with an apple on the end to lead the Giant Tortoise she is riding, London Zoo, 1924 (b/w photo) by Bond

Sketches from Ceylon, a Giant Tortoise (engraving)
1054176 Sketches from Ceylon, a Giant Tortoise (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sketches from Ceylon, a Giant Tortoise)

A Saddleback, Galapagos Tortoise being fed with a banana on a stick (b / w photo)
3712919 A Saddleback, Galapagos Tortoise being fed with a banana on a stick (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942); Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; British

Giant Tortoises, illustration from Wildlife of the World, c. 1910 (colour litho)
3037092 Giant Tortoises, illustration from Wildlife of the World, c.1910 (colour litho) by Kuhnert, Wilhelm (1865-1926); Private Collection; (add.info)

Gigantic Land Tortoise, a Present for Her Majesty (engraving)
1096682 Gigantic Land Tortoise, a Present for Her Majesty (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gigantic Land Tortoise, a Present for Her Majesty)

Guardian of the archipelago
Sebastien DEL GROSSO

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Close-Up Of Giant Tortoise

Giant tortoise, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) are the largest living species of tortoise that can grow up to 880 pounds and reach more than 6 feet in length; Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Giant tortoises at Tring Park
In 1897 Walter Rothschild despatched explorer Charles Harris to the Galapagos islands to collect a large number of giant tortoises

Giant tortoise being fed at Tring Park
In 1897 Walter Rothschild despatched explorer Charles Harris to the Galapagos islands to collect a large number of giant tortoises

The Giant Tortoise
The Galapagos tortoise are the largest living species of tortoise. Modern Galapagos tortoises can weigh up to 417 kg (919 lb)

C. Harris feeding Galapagos tortoises, 1898
Sailor and explorer Charles Harris was despatched to the Galapagos islands to collect giant tortoises for Walter Rothschild in 1897

Transporting Giant tortoises
In 1897 Walter Rothschild despatched explorer Charles Harris to the Galapagos islands to collect a large number of giant tortoises

Giant Tortoises with mating behavior, highlands of Floreana Island, Galapagos Islands

Close up of a Galapagos Tortoise, Giant Tortoise, Geochelone nigra, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Giant Aldabra Seychelles tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea), Union Estate Park, La Digue, Republic of Seychelles, Indian Ocean, Africa

Aldabra giant Seychelles tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea), Anse Takamaka, Mahe, Republic of Seychelles, Indian Ocean, Africa

Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus) in water, close-up
Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador

Camera Shy
A keeper lifts the shell of a giant tortoise in London Zoo so that the photographer can get a good view

Young Galapagos Giant Tortoise -Chelonoidis nigra- on an egg, Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galapagos Giant Tortoise -Chelonoidis nigra-, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Turtles at tortuga bay

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Ecuador, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands National Park, Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantopas) at The Tortoise Reserve

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The majestic giant tortoise, scientifically known as Geochelone elephantopus vandenburghi, is a fascinating creature found on Isla Sant Cruz in the Galapagos Islands. These gentle giants have captured the attention of many, including Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild (1868-1937), who was captivated by their beauty and uniqueness. In 1898, C. M. Harris was seen tending to 29 live Galapagos Tortoises, showcasing the dedication towards preserving these magnificent creatures. One of the most intriguing aspects of these tortoises is their thermoregulation abilities that allow them to adapt to different climates on the islands. Not limited to just one location, another species called Aldabra giant Seychelles tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) can be found in Anse Takamaka on Mahe Island. Their presence adds even more wonder and diversity to this already captivating family. Visitors at the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado are often left awestruck when encountering a Giant tortoise from Geochelone nigra species. The head alone showcases its ancient wisdom and resilience against time's passage. Even beyond the Galapagos Islands or Seychelles, giant tortoises continue to amaze people worldwide. On Prison Island in Zanzibar, Tanzania, an impressive specimen captures attention with its sheer size and grandeur - a true marvel of nature. At Tring Park, lucky observers witness firsthand how these incredible creatures are fed and cared for by dedicated individuals who understand their needs deeply. Throughout history, artists have been inspired by these magnificent beings too. Les Chersites engraving portrays their gracefulness through intricate details that bring them to life on paper. The bond between humans and giant tortoises is evident in heartwarming moments like when a small girl named Betty holds out a stick with an apple attached at one end, playfully leading the tortoise towards a delicious treat.