The Galapagos Islands are one of the few places where visitors can get a glimpse of what the world was like before humans existed. The unique wildlife, active volcanoes, and rich undersea world has made them a haven for ecotourism. In this episode, we get two very different perspectives on what it’s like to experience the Galapagos Islands.

First, Scott speaks with nature photographer Tui De Roy, who has spent a lifetime in Galapagos. Her family moved to the island of Santa Cruz in 1955 when she was just two years old. As a child, she picked up a camera and began photographing the animals she grew up with. What began as a hobby blossomed into a career that has taken her around the world, and yet the Galapagos remain her home as well as one of her favorite subjects. Tui’s perspective as a lifelong resident of the Galapagos Islands adds a personal touch to her photos that allow us to briefly glimpse this magical place the way she does.

Next, we get a behind-the-scenes sneak preview of the Houston Zoo’s new Galapagos Islands exhibit from Houston Zoo President and CEO Lee Ehmke. The exhibit, which is scheduled to open to the public on April 7, 2023, will be the only one of its kind in the world. Scott and Lee tour the exhibit and then sit down to discuss how the exhibit was designed, what visitors will experience, and why encounters with animals like those found in the Galapagos Islands are often so profoundly impactful.

Tui De Roy’s websites: http://www.galapagosconsultant.com & https://www.tuideroy.com  

Tui De Roy’s latest books: “A Pocket Guide to Birds of Galápagos” and “A Lifetime in Galápagos” are available from Princeton University Press. 

The Houston Zoo’s Galapagos Islands exhibit opens on April 7, 2023. 

The Houston Zoo: https://www.houstonzoo.org 

For more information about efforts to protect and restore the Galapagos Islands, visit The Galapagos Conservancy’s website: https://www.galapagos.org 

This episode of Wild World was produced with support from: 

Lindblad Expeditions: https://www.expeditions.com    

The Rice University Traveling Owls: https://alumni.rice.edu/travelingowls 

Mentioned in this episode:

Next week we travel to Mo'orea!

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions

The Rice Alumni Traveling Owls program offers exciting intellectual itineraries to destinations across the globe. Traveling Owls trips serve as a catalyst for lifelong learning and strengthen bonds between Rice University alumni and friends. You don’t have to be a Rice alum to participate in Traveling Owls programs. Visit alumni.rice.edu/travelingowls to see a list of upcoming trips.

Rice Traveling Owls

Today’s episode of Wild World is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions. Discovery is