The Dallas Zoo is now home to the biggest tortoise species in the world – Galápagos tortoises. Older than dinosaurs, various forms of these tortoises existed almost 2 million years ago. Today, Galápagos tortoises are still among the longest-lived animals on the planet.

Not nearly as isolated as they are on the Galápagos Islands, the tortoises are now at home in ZooNorth between Wings of Wonder and Snout Route. These big creatures were the result of a major gift from Nancy B. Hamon that was given in honor of DZS board member Mary McDermott Cook.

Galápagos tortoises are classified as an endangered species. Whalers and pirates used them for food on long sea voyages during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Charles Darwin Foundation and Galápagos National Park Service estimate the population at 15,000, down from the 250,000 on the islands when they were first discovered.

“Tortoises have a way of connecting with people,” said Ruston Hartdegen, curator of herpetology. “And honestly, what better way to connect with Dallas residents than with these gentle giants that are just a marvel of evolution?”