Giant tortoises made for a grand finale! The island of Santa Cruz is home not only to giant tortoises but also to the headquarters of the Galápagos National Park and the facilities of the Charles Darwin Research Station. From small, teacup-sized tortoise hatchlings all the way to the true giants at over 400 pounds, this is their home. Many of them will be returned to their island of origin once they are large enough to withstand the trials of life in the wild. The tortoises are free to roam the flanks of this island and wander where they will. They spend time inside the Tortoise Reserve established by the park and travel over private property, under fences, and across roads.