Charles Darwin Research Station

[1] The station is operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation which was founded in 1959 under the auspices of UNESCO and the World Conservation Union.

In Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Ecuadorian and foreign scientists work on research and projects for conservation of the Galápagos terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

The Research Station, established in 1959 and dedicated in 1964, has a natural history interpretation center and also carries out educational projects in support of conservation of the Galápagos Islands, and in support of external researchers visiting the islands to conduct field work.

The Station has a team of over a hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, research students, and support staff from all over the world.

[3] Scientific research and monitoring projects are conducted at the CDRS in conjunction and cooperation with its chief partner, the Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), which functions as the principal government authority in charge of conservation and natural resource issues in the Galapagos.

Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin Research Station, estimated to be over 100 years old at his death in 2012
A baby tortoise in the breeding program drinking water