Rewilding North Island

Seychelles has taken another giant step in protecting its natural heritage with the rewilding of fifty Aldabra giant tortoises on North Island, an achievement that benefits wildlife and the people that visit these paradise islands. The conservation project strengthens ecosystems, supports future tourism value and ensures that one of Seychelles’ most iconic species continues shaping native island habitats.

The translocation - led by the Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance (IOTA), North Island Seychelles, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources (MECENR) - moved the tortoises from Mahé to North Island, where they now roam freely in their natural habitat. It is the latest example of Seychelles showing the world how small nations can lead big conservation wins.

This release was made possible through IOTA’s community initiative encouraging private owners to donate tortoises they can no longer care for. With North Island’s long-standing commitment to ecological restoration, the location was considered an ideal release site.

Aldabra giant tortoises are much more than iconic reptiles. They are nature’s engineers, helping native plants grow, spreading seeds and keeping habitats healthy. Strong ecosystems benefit everyone: they support tourism, protect the natural beauty Seychelles is famous for and help create resilient environments in a changing climate.

“Rewilding North Island with Aldabra giant tortoises donated from private owners is about restoring the natural systems that make Seychelles special,” said Rich Baxter, Director of IOTA. “This project shows how conservation and communities can work together. It’s a win not just for the tortoises but for every person who wants to see Seychelles’ islands thrive.”

Community Driven Rewilding

Many of the tortoises had been cherished family companions for decades. Donors described giving them up as emotional but meaningful, an act of responsibility toward future generations.

“After careful reflection, I decided to relocate my tortoises from a sheltered home to a more natural space,” said Savita Parekh, a local resident living in Mahé “True care means enabling animals to thrive the way nature intended. I’m proud they can now help restore an island.”

Patrick Samson, also a local resident, echoed that feeling: “Tortoises have long been part of Seychelles culture. Our family tortoises will likely live a century. We wanted them to live freely and contribute to the environment we all rely on. Working with IOTA and North Island gave us peace of mind.”

View of North Island, Seychelles © Rich Baxter/IOTA Seychelles

An Aldabra giant tortoise being released on North Island © Rich Baxter/IOTASeychelles

Careful Steps for a Healthy Future

Before the release, the tortoises underwent strict quarantine and health checks. On Mahé, they were monitored, microchipped for the national tortoise census and fed only native leaves to prevent the spread of invasive plant species. A second quarantine on North Island followed, ensuring the island’s high biosecurity standards were met.

“The translocation of these fifty tortoises strengthens the island’s population and contributes directly to the conservation of this iconic species,” said Mathilde le Gressus, North Island Conservation Coordinator. “They’re exploring farther every day and we’re already watching for nesting activity.”

For IOTA Assistant Project Officer Santosh Albert, seeing the tortoises take their first steps into the wild brought home what the effort means for people as well as nature.

“After months of planning, seeing them walk free was incredibly rewarding,” he said. “Moments like that remind you why conservation matters, because these islands are our home and keeping them healthy benefits us all.”

A Shared Vision for Seychelles’ Future

This project is part of a broader national commitment to restoration and biodiversity protection, values shared by government agencies, conservation groups, private partners and everyday citizens. Seychelles’ success continues to inspire global audiences, demonstrating how community-driven conservation can protect nature while supporting livelihoods and national identity.

With continued collaboration, Seychelles can ensure future generations inherit vibrant, resilient islands where wildlife thrives, ecosystems remain strong and people can take pride in knowing they played a role in safeguarding the country’s nature-based legacy.