Around 1850, sailors drove giant Galápagos tortoises to extinction, keeping them as live food because they could survive for up to a year without food or water; then scientists found mysterious ‘alien’ survivors in 2000

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In an astonishing twist of fate, researchers found tortoises linked to a lineage believed to have vanished 150 years ago. Genetic testing revealed descendants of the Floreana giant tortoise, reviving hopes for this extinct group. Scientists have now introduced 158 young tortoises back to Floreana Island, preserving the genetic heritage of these magnificent giants.