WELCOME

Welcome to the website of the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT), a UK charity that raises funds for, and awareness of, the conservation needs of the Galapagos Islands. Charles Darwin was intrigued with the unique wildlife he saw when visiting the islands in 1835, and to this day they continue to inspire and excite scientists and visitors alike. We work with the key institutions in Galapagos to ensure a sustainable future for this natural treasure, and are part of the international Friends of Galapagos network.

LATEST NEWS

Happy Easter at Zoo Zürich
It was not a bunny that bought an Easter surprise to Zoo Zürich, but the Galapagos Giant tortoise "Nigrita". And her surprise was also well hidden, buried in the sand of the Tortoise enclosure. It consisted of seven eggs - one of which was damaged - but the other six were all intact and moved to the incubator...

SUPPORT GALAPAGOS

Get involved
There are many ways in which you can support conservation efforts in Galapagos. You can become a member of GCT; shop online in our Gift catalogue; give a donation - for example, a £20 donation can fund a student to spend two full days of field research, such as looking for rare plants in the highland cloud forest; leave a lasting legacy; or adopt a Galapagos animal or flower.

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

GCT's annual Galapagos Photographic Competition is now accepting entries. We invite all photographers, whatever your level, to enter your Galapagos images. With winning entries featuring in the Trust's popular Galapagos Calendar, what better gift for all your family and friends! The closing date for entries is 31st October 2008. To enter, please visit Photographic competition rules. A voluntary entry fee of £5 per photo is encouraged, which will help towards conserving the wildlife and views in your beautiful images for the future.

SHARK CAMPAIGN 2008

In support of the Galapagos Marine Reserve
With increasing pressures on all of the wildlife within the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) - a World Heritage Site in its own right - your support for GCT's shark campaign is vital. You can help by making a donation, sponsoring a shark or simply by raising awareness of the issues and asking everyone you know to sign the petition to ban the import of shark fins into the UK. Sharks are critical to the success of the GMR and your support is critical to the success of our campaign!

TORTOISE CLUB FOR SCHOOLS

Tortoise Club for Schools
You can learn about tortoises generally, but in particular the Galapagos giant tortoise. As a part of your membership, you will sponsor a Galapagos giant tortoise egg and the resulting hatchling!
The 2008 annual competition for Tortoise Club for Schools, Junior and Galapagos Schools members has been launched. For details, visit Annual competition 2008.