The Galápagos tortoise is one of the largest tortoise species in the world and can live up to 150 years. To me, that means these animals carry a century and a half of memory within them.

The Galápagos Islands were often used throughout maritime history as a stopover to restock supplies, such as fresh water and food. That’s where the tortoises came into the picture. They were taken alive aboard ships and served as living pantries. When fresh meat was needed, a tortoise was slaughtered and made into soup.

When you consider that these creatures can live for 150 years, you realize that with each one eaten, 150 years of memory may be erased.