Lifelike Galápagos giant tortoise Plush Toy – Soft and Realistic
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Bring the wonder of the Galápagos Islands to life with this realistic plush tortoise! Designed with intricate details, lifelike textures, and soft materials, this adorable toy captures the charm of the iconic giant tortoise. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, educators, or anyone who appreciates unique and cuddly creatures. A fun and educational gift for all ages!
Animal Facts:
The Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis niger) is the largest living tortoise species on Earth and a true icon of the Galápagos Islands. These gentle giants can weigh up to 417 kg (919 lbs) and live for over 100 years in the wild—some captive individuals have even surpassed 170 years!
Native to seven of the Galápagos Islands, the tortoises display fascinating adaptations to their environments. For instance, tortoises on islands with lush vegetation have domed shells and short necks, while those in drier areas have saddleback shells and long necks to reach higher vegetation like cacti.
Their numbers plummeted from an estimated 250,000 in the 16th century to just 15,000 by the 1970s, largely due to overhunting, habitat destruction, and the introduction of invasive species. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and habitat restoration, have helped their population rebound to over 19,000 today, but they remain threatened.
One of the most famous Galápagos tortoises was Lonesome George, the last known member of the subspecies C. n. abingdonii, who passed away in 2012. His story symbolizes both the fragility of ecosystems and the urgency of conservation efforts.
These tortoises not only embody the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos but also played a pivotal role in shaping Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. 🐢