Tanzania 2016 Travels with Mami

Tanzania Part 9: Tortoises can get old, and huge

Prison Island, Tanzania

From Zanzibar we went for a day-trip to Changuu Island, also known as Kibandiko or Prison Island, just a short boat trip from Stone Town. The island was once used as a prison for slaves in the 1860s and later as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases. Today, it’s mainly an attraction because of the conservation area housing the endangered Aldabra giant tortoises, a 1919 gift from a former British givernor of the Seychelles – what started out with four tortoises quickly became hundreds and were then stolen for private homes over many years until there were almost none left – today, the tortoises are protected by a foundation.

With our love for animals, we visited the park – with the ages of the tortoises written on their shell we saw that many of them were more than 100 years old – we fed them, petted them, and hung out. A really fun day trip and adventure, worth paying for to invest in the well being of these calm and gracious creatures.

Prison Island, Tanzania

Prison Island, Tanzania

Prison Island, Tanzania

Prison Island, Tanzania

Prison Island, Tanzania

Prison Island, Tanzania

Prison Island, Tanzania

Prison Island, Tanzania

Prison Island, Tanzania

Prison Island, Tanzania

Prison Island, Tanzania

Prison Island, Tanzania

2 comments

  1. Dear Caroline,

    This is Max. I hope you remember me. I still have good memories of you, the United Nations Association, and Sweden, the country that welcomed me and gave me a chance, which by some unfortunate circumstances I didn’t deserve back then. I still hope I can return that favor in future.

    I couldn’t resist writing this message because your pictures feature those creatures we call turtles, which I met in Galapagos together with my family last summer. Please do go to Ecuador if you ever find the chance to do so. Just like Mr. Darwin, I discovered something important to me over there that I hope you can appreciate once you see all the animals and islands of Galapagos if you ever have the chance to do so.

    I try to visit your blog once a month or so, even though it is not possible at times, and I am always happy to see you’re doing well. Of course I don’t have enough time sometimes. Things change.

    I hope you’re well. Please answer back only if time allows. I would like to know what you’re doing these days. I have kept my email account up until today, and I’ll be happy to reply to you if you choose to write back to me.

    Sincerely,
    Max

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