What can giant tortoises teach us about health, science, and hope?
Follow researcher Gislayne Mendoza from her roots in San Cristóbal to the rugged landscapes of Galapagos. Her story unveils surprising virus discoveries, the power of local science, and why protecting these ancient creatures means protecting the delicate balance between wildlife, people, and planet.

By donating to the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station, you are helping our scientists continue their research in order to better protect the unique animals and ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands.

The Charles Darwin Research Station is open Monday-Sunday, from 08:00 to 18:00 (including public holidays). Come visit us in the heart of Galapagos!

Explore the Galapagos Islands' volcanic beginnings, unique biodiversity, and the global conservation efforts led by the Charles Darwin Foundation to protect them.

The Charles Darwin Foundation is celebrating 65 years of groundbreaking conservation work in the Galapagos Islands and we want you to be part of it!

It is estimated that 20% of the populations of small landbirds found on the Galapagos Islands are declining or have gone locally extinct. Our scientists work to ensure the long-term conservation of small Galapagos landbird populations for the health of the islands’ ecosystems at large.

Celebrating seven years of the Galapagos Biodiversity and Education for Sustainability Fund

Threats such as climate change, introduced species, diseases, pollution, and fishery activity all put the Galapagos penguin at immediate risk of population decline. Your adoption of a Galapagos penguin will help us carry out annual monitoring of this species, in partnership with the Galapagos National Park Directorate.

The Charles Darwin Foundation is home to the largest Natural History Collections of endemic, native and introduced species of Galapagos in Ecuador, with more than 135,000 specimens and 7,500 species across four Collections: Marine, Vertebrate, Terrestrial Invertebrate and a Herbarium.