blue feet. Or a bright red throat pouch. Or sharp spikes from head to tail. Beauty looks different. But the first encounter with one of the funny blue-footed boobies, a magnificent frigate bird or a marine iguana is special, touching in a quiet way. The rare and strange creatures are unfazed by humans; they squat close together on their nests or lie motionless on rough lava rock. Like in a zoo. Like in a Garden of Eden. The giant tortoises also roam undeterred through the dry undergrowth.
Researchers call this behavior biologically naïve. For thousands of years, the more than 100 Galapagos Islands were isolated. Early Spanish explorers called them Islas Encantadas, Enchanted Islands: Because they were so remote and with strong currents around them, seafarers thought they were constantly changing position. The animals do not know any predators there. So what are you afraid of? Flee from what? They could develop completely undisturbed.
The Galapagos Islands first became known with the arrival of Charles Darwin in 1835. With people came rats, cats, dogs, which threatened to wipe out endemic species. Too many residents, cars, far too many tourists – on islands with almost no drinking water, to which every piece of bread has to be brought by supply boats. The natural wonder of the Galapagos, located 1000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, was on the verge of collapse in the early 2000s.
With high prices, limited visitor numbers and strict rules of conduct, attempts are made to strike a balance between nature conservation and profitable tourism. Selfies with animals are prohibited. Strict guides ensure the distance between humans and creatures, they are always there, whether you are on foot, by boat or cruise ship.
This showcase of evolution is still fascinating. While swimming in the sea, you may be nudged by a curious sea lion as if to say: come play!