Blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, giant tortoises...oh my!
Posted: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 5:09 PM by Jen Brown
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Ends of the Earth
(From Peter Alexander, NBC correspondent)
The Galapagos Islands boast a mesmerizing diversity of creatures -- many of them seen no where else in the world and most of them, sadly, endangered (video). Once 200,000 tortoises roamed the Galapagos chain. Today, only 15,000 to 17,000 tortoises remain.
Packed into a small van, my crew and I ventured into the higher elevations of Santa Cruz Island. (In total, the Galapagos consists of 13 major islands, six smaller islands and hundreds 
of tiny islets.) Our Ecuadorian driver slowed the van to a stop. The road was blocked. Right there, lumbering in front of us was one of the giant tortoises that make the Galapagos famous. Later, we saw at least a half dozen more in a nearby field -- a patch of land bought and protected by the Nature Conservancy. From a distance, they look like giant cocoons. The tortoises -- “tortuga” in Spanish -- can weigh up to 600 pounds. And their age? No one really knows how long they live, but estimates range from 100 to 150 years.
Crowding into a small boat, we explored a cove and secluded beach, where a small crowd of foreign tourists share space sunning themselves alongside dozens of black marine iguanas. The contrast of the iguanas against the white sand is amazing. Up close, they look like little dragons or prehistoric creatures. Only these creatures can swim. Marine iguanas are the only seagoing lizards in the world. They’re propelled underwater by their long tails. No matter how many times TODAY producer Meaghan Rady and I witnessed it, there’s no describing the sight of an iguana swimming right alongside your boat.
But my favorite moments came watching dozens of blue-footed boobies dive-bomb into the ocean in one fowl swoop. Just before they hit the water, they quickly folded back their wings. From a distance, the sky looked like it was raining spears, before the birds disappeared into the water for a few seconds and then bobbed back to the surface.
For one of my stand-ups—the portion of the piece where I speak directly to the camera—photographer Bruce Bernstein framed me between a pair of the blue-footed boobies (left). They were in the foreground. I was standing on volcanic rock down by the water. As Bruce focused on finding the best angle, my eyes scanned the surroundings. On the rocks, just above the water line, there were dozens of Sally Lightfoot crabs (named for their ability to race across rock faces like a dancer). To my left, three iguanas -- each with its eyes twitching to confirm this stranger wasn’t a threat. Then the clincher, a stingray lapping below my feet. Dr. Doolittle would have had a field day. (But, frankly, I could have done without the stingray. Too many stories about freak accidents and piercing barbs.)
If you get a chance, scan through some more of the photos from our trip to the Galapagos, as well as some photos from the rest of the Ends of the Earth coverage. The Galapagos pics were shot by our soundman Raul Hernandez, who -- in addition to a great ear -- has a terrific eye. I’m certain you’ll be impressed.
For complete Ends of the Earth coverage, click here.
