Volcan Wolf Erupts on Isabela Island

Volcan Wolf is erupting right now on Isabela Island for the first time since 1982. It's a spectacular sight to see. 

No human population will be harmed by the eruption. Importantly, the Galapagos National Park Service is reporting that our endemic pink iguana population is not currently at risk. It has been reported that the lava is flowing down the volcano's southern face but that the iguanas inhabit the other side of the volcano. The lava appears to be flowing into the sea, and there is no prediction as yet regarding any effect on marine life near the base of the volcano.

Visit the Galapagos Eco-Lodge facebook page for updates and our blog for more information about Volcan Wolf and our unique pink iguanas.http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2013/02/no-two-galapagos-iguanas-same.html; http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-iii.html

Sea Lions Too are Mama's Boys!

"Mama's boy" is at term usually used to describe a human male's exceedingly close relationship with his mother.  But, when you really think about it, I guess it should come as no surprise that human sons are not the only species that attach to their moms. That is exactly what the latest research about Galapagos Island sea lions, as reported in the journal Animal Behavior, has confirmed. Like many other species, such as Galapagos Blue Footed Boobies, the male sea lion doesn't venture far from his mom.




Male baby sea lions stay close to and rely on their moms for a much longer period than their female peers. Long after the little boys grow big enough to be capable of hunting and fishing, they still laze around dependently on their moms far after their sisters have ventured out on their own and learned to forage. It seems that the males have it made from a physical and (from what we as humans would refer to as a psychological) point of view.

David Attenboro's Galapagos Adventure

I know from personal experience that there can never be too many photographs of the magnificent and diverse menagerie that inhabits the Galapagos Islands.  Here in Galapagos you will see an abundance of animals, birds and marine life. Not only that, it's almost impossible to take a bad photograph of the bounty that lives throughout Galapagos on the land and in the sea. And within that array, one baby sea lion after another presents a unique photo opportunity. Every so often, extraordinary photos are taken and shared with all of us, making our Galapagos vision even more exciting, inviting and memorable.

More on Lonesome George - A Musical Tribute

Never do we get enough of our iconic Lonesome George. And this musical tribute is a great honor. Thanks Skunk Bear for remembering George in such a beautiful way.

And here is Lonesome George in New York City as he is now. He's ready to come home.

Baby Tortoises Hatched on Pinzon Island

Pinzon Saddleback
Tortoise

What a wonderful success for conservation efforts in the Galapagos! Scientists and conservationists are reporting that the saddleback tortoises on Pinzon Island have been saved.

I've talked before about unwanted introduced species in Galapagos and efforts to eradicate them. One of the most invasive of these species were rats. They've been around for centuries really. Most likely, they were brought here on pirate ships. The ships layed anchor, the rats left the boat and swam to shore and there, they lived and dined like kings, particularly on the youngest of our species. Tortoises hatchlings, sadly, made a delicious meal and, as the babies died, so did the species. This was true in many places, particularly on Pinzon Island.