During the nesting season, which runs from July to November, staff from La Galapaguera find clutches of billiard-ball-size tortoise eggs in the wild. They are brought to the tortoise reserve and placed in a dark box for 30 days to simulate a natural underground nest. They hatch after about 130 days without the need of incubators. At birth, these tiny creatures average 2.5 inches and weigh less than two ounces. The hatchlings are placed in shallow trays covered by wire grates. It is exciting to watch these baby tortoises interacting in their nursery.
