Fairmount Park in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Galapagos tortoise
Chelonoidis porteri
Diet Grass, leaves and cactus, occasionally carrion
Predators Feral pigs, dogs, cats and rats prey on the eggs and hatchlings
Threats Predation of eggs and hatchlings
Habitat Tropical to desert habitats
Range Galapagos Islands
Island life
Today, these long-lived tortoises (the oldest recorded lived to 152 years) lead uncomplicated lives grazing, sun bathing and napping nearly 16 hours a day, while strictly protected by the Ecuadorian government.
But it wasn't always so idyllic. In past centuries, pirates, whalers, and seamen captured over 100,000 tortoises.
Because they can survive up to a year without eating or drinking, tortoises were a source of fresh food during long sea voyages.
Erected by Philadelphia Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 39° 58.346′ N, 75° 11.832′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Fairmount Park. It can be reached from North 34th Street south of West Girard Avenue,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Diversity Makes All the Difference (within shouting distance of this marker); Domestic Duck Breeds (within shouting distance of this marker); Pigeon Brainpower (within shouting distance of this marker); Domestic Sheep Breeds (within shouting distance of this marker); Arapawa goat / Alpaca (within shouting distance of this marker); Domestic Goat Breeds (within shouting distance of this marker); 2017 Green Award Winner (within shouting distance of this marker); Trumpeter swan (within shouting distance
Additional commentary.
1. About the marker
This sign serves as a historical marker because it shares the history of how human interaction has affected the population of the species.
— Submitted April 6, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
