1255: Slow Breaking News: A Giant Tortoise Revival episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 13, 2026 · 12 MIN

1255: Slow Breaking News: A Giant Tortoise Revival

from Science Friday · host Science Friday

In February, conservationists released 158 young tortoises onto Floreana Island in the Galapagos. The Floreana tortoise subspecies had long been thought extinct, but the discovery of close relatives on another island made a captive breeding effort possible. SciFri turtle correspondent Charles Bergquist talks with conservationist Penny Becker about the science behind the reintroduction, and what it was like to return the species to an island that had not seen them since the 1850s. Plus, the latest on sea turtle nesting season, and an ancient sea turtle stampede.Guest: Dr. Penny Becker is CEO of the nonprofit Island Conservation.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

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With science and good luck, 158 young tortoises were reintroduced to Floreana Island in the Galapagos. Plus, an ancient sea turtle stampede.

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1255: Slow Breaking News: A Giant Tortoise Revival

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