"Gentle Giant"

(Galapagos Tortoise)
Pastel on Museum Paper
29 x 42
For purchase inquiries contact Kelly directly at 705 652 9310.

Galapagos Giant Tortoises are the longest-lived of all vertebrates, averaging over 100 years. The oldest on record lived to be 152. They are also the world's largest tortoises with some exceeding 5 feet in length and reaching 550 pounds. As the only native land herbivore in Galapagos they were hunted as food for pirates, whalers and merchants during the 17th to 19th centuries, with more than 200,000 estimated to have been killed. There are now only 11 of 15 types left in Galapagos. Continued human activity has resulted in substantial alterations to their ecosystem with 60% of 168 endemic plant species close to extinction. Non-native species such as feral pigs, dogs, cats, rats, goats and cattle are a continuing threat to their food supply and eggs. These amazing creatures are truly gentle giants just trying to lead uncomplicated lives, eating, basking in the sun and napping nearly 16 hours per day. Sadly, this particular individual must settle for munching away on the most common grass that I observed while in Galapagos - an introduced species called Bermuda Grass.

Kelly poses with her niece Nora