Big tortoises are back on Floreana Island. This is good news for the island. 158 young tortoises were set free this week. They lived in a special place to grow. It is the first time in 180 years they walk free. This is a success for a project. The project wants to help the island's nature.
Old Floreana tortoises are gone for a long time. Sailors took them for food. This hurt the island's nature. Tortoises help spread seeds. They also eat plants.
Scientists found similar tortoises in 2008. They started a program in 2017. They chose 23 tortoises. These were like the old ones. They bred them on Santa Cruz Island.
Now, baby tortoises are born. Many are big enough to go to Floreana. They have been released. This took many years of work. Many people helped.
A scientist said this is important. It gives hope for Floreana. It also gives hope for other places. Tortoises help nature. They make the island strong. This shows people can help nature.