Reptiles make up an important part of the Galapagos population, with the two most well-known reptiles being the famed marine iguanas—which propel themselves through the water with long tails and then dive down to feed on underwater algae before returning to land to recover their body temperature with long rests on hot rocks—and the giant tortoises—which can live upwards of 200 years.
Beyond sharing the commonalities of reptiles, the marine iguanas and the giant tortoises also share another feature: a face only a momma could love. And oh yeah, movie directors too. Take a look at these two animals and see what first comes to mind.
Did the tortoise make you think of E.T.? Legend has it that Stephen Spielberg fashioned E.T. after a tortoise, and hey I believe it. When they extended their long necks, I half expected them to voice, “E.T. phone home.”
The only noise they made, however, was a deep breathing sound reminiscent of Darth Vader and some pretty nasty masticating sounds (they’re messy eaters!).
As for the marine iguanas, well, I just can’t look at them without thinking Godzilla. This thought is especially prominent when they stick their head up over the top of a rock, like Godzilla towering over a building. Don’t tell me that you can’t see it.
Land iguanas, a species closely related to the marine iguanas, but without the ability to swim, also look quite similar to Godzilla but their more rounded faces and bright yellow coloring makes it not as much of a match for me. Decide for yourself, however.
They all scare me.
I love your closeups – the Galapagos are pretty much my dream trip.
Once when I was at the Louisville Zoo a pair of giant tortoises was having sex and the sounds they were making are unmentionable. Oh my god. Maybe they were just eating on top of each other, who knows. Mark were you there on that occasion?
Oh yes, of course. You could hear them upon entering the zoo, and they were in the Islands. Gross to say the least.
More nice shots. Reptiles are like dinosaurs. I think I am the first person to make this point. Ever.
Some people make some really strange comments on this blog!
Theresa, Jeff,
Hello! First off, thanks for the postcard—our office received it today, and we appreciate hearing from you. 🙂 Your sojourn around S. America sounds tremendous; actually, your whole itinerary is incredible. And enjoy India. I’ve visited a few times now, and I learn/see/experience something different each time. Thanks also for the top-notch photos that accompany your posts.
Enjoy the rest of your travels! A great line from the book “The Last Fine Time”: “…the present is the only campfire in the icy wastes of time.” True, but I think the wonderful memories and experiences you’re collecting on this trip will surely warm you in the years ahead.
Enjoy!
Your editorial colleague,
Mary