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A review by kevin_shepherd
On the Backs of Tortoises: Darwin, the Galapagos, and the Fate of an Evolutionary Eden by Elizabeth Hennessy
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
The natural (and unnatural) history of the Galapagos Archipelago recounted through a timeline of giant tortoise mistreatment, exploitation, and (eventual) husbandry. Elizabeth Hennessy shatters the image of the “pristine islands,” as portrayed in some nature documentaries and travel brochures, and writes frankly, and often upsettingly, about the past, present, and possible future of the archipelago. Galapagos is far from the <i>Evolutionary Eden</i> many of us imagine it to be but it may be the closest thing to it left on earth.
On a personal note, my volunteerism in wildlife rehabilitation sometimes brings me in contact with “exotic” animals seized by law enforcement officials in the course of their duties. You’d be surprised how often a raid on a meth lab turns up a surprise alligator in the bathtub! In the summer of 2021 a case of “animal hoarding” near Norman, Oklahoma resulted in the seizure and relocation of over 360 exotic animals (camels, kangaroos, fruit bats, ostriches, fennec foxes, etc.). As a result I had the pleasurable opportunity of spending several months caring for five enormous Aldabra tortoises. Theses gentle giants (each weighing between 300 and 500 lbs) grazed the grasses of our multi-acre facility under the watchful eyes of our veterinary staff while we monitored their health and awaited their eventual relocation to reputable zoos and sanctuaries. For weeks I bought collard greens and mustard greens and turnip greens so I could spend time offering healthy treats to these lovable behemoths. My time with these guys was almost spiritual. They ate from my hands (I was careful to watch my fingers) while I sat on the grass surrounded by awesome tortoise-ness. I reflected heavily on this experience as I read this book. Every time Hennessy recounted a particular instance of cruelty to a tortoise it pained me, occasionally to tears. For those of you who, like me, have a place in your heart reserved for animals this is going to be a tough read. But, I think it’s also an important read—one that increases awareness, ends with optimistic possibilities, and (hopefully) inspires us all to activism.
On a personal note, my volunteerism in wildlife rehabilitation sometimes brings me in contact with “exotic” animals seized by law enforcement officials in the course of their duties. You’d be surprised how often a raid on a meth lab turns up a surprise alligator in the bathtub! In the summer of 2021 a case of “animal hoarding” near Norman, Oklahoma resulted in the seizure and relocation of over 360 exotic animals (camels, kangaroos, fruit bats, ostriches, fennec foxes, etc.). As a result I had the pleasurable opportunity of spending several months caring for five enormous Aldabra tortoises. Theses gentle giants (each weighing between 300 and 500 lbs) grazed the grasses of our multi-acre facility under the watchful eyes of our veterinary staff while we monitored their health and awaited their eventual relocation to reputable zoos and sanctuaries. For weeks I bought collard greens and mustard greens and turnip greens so I could spend time offering healthy treats to these lovable behemoths. My time with these guys was almost spiritual. They ate from my hands (I was careful to watch my fingers) while I sat on the grass surrounded by awesome tortoise-ness. I reflected heavily on this experience as I read this book. Every time Hennessy recounted a particular instance of cruelty to a tortoise it pained me, occasionally to tears. For those of you who, like me, have a place in your heart reserved for animals this is going to be a tough read. But, I think it’s also an important read—one that increases awareness, ends with optimistic possibilities, and (hopefully) inspires us all to activism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty