VIDEO NEWS RELEASE RARE TORTOISE NAMED FOR SAN DIEGO ZOO THRIVES

A recent visit by San Diego Zoo officials to the Galápagos National Park included an encounter with a rare reptile that lived at the San Diego Zoo for many years. The male tortoise, named Diego, was sent to be part of the breeding program at the National Park in the Galápagos Islands in the 1970s.

     "Diego is one of only two male tortoises of the species native to the Española Islands in the breeding program," said Rick Schwartz, San Diego Zoo ambassador. "As such, he has made a significant contribution to the continued survival of his species."

     Animal care staff at the Galápagos National Park indicate that Diego is responsible for a significant number of Española tortoises that have hatched over the years.  The breeding and conservation program at the Galápagos National Park is a significant part of the effort to save these critically endangered species.

     "The captive breeding program is important, not just for the National Park of the Galápagos, but for the conservation of tortoises overall," said Washington Tapia, sub-director of the Galápagos National Park.  "In our history, we have seen tortoise populations severely reduced, and reproduction for this species occurs slowly.  Without the help of this program it would be impossible to recover this species."

  The 100-acre San Diego Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. The organization focuses on conservation and research work around the globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wildlife and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections. The Zoo also manages the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, which includes a 900-acre native species reserve, and the San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research.