African Tortoises return home to Africa

[Catherine]

In 2011, 6 tortoises were given to Monaco. Now 46 of their offspring are being returned to Africa, in particular, Senegal. It is their ancestral home and they will be taught how to live there. They are all African Spurred Tortoises. They can weight over 200 pounds and live for a century. 
Currently there are only about 150 wild African Spurred Tortoises living in Senegal.
The 46 returnees are 8 years and under. They will be taught how to find food and dig burrows. Eventually they will be transferred to a nature reserve. The area will be fenced off at first as they settle in, then they will be on their own.


https://www.barrons.com/news/endangered-...09?tesla=y

This is a significant event. For a long time animals have been taken from Africa, and other colonized areas. Now animals are being returned.
Failing populations could be saved by the return on young healthy animals. These animals could even bring genetic diversity. Many small populations have lost their genetic diversity. That weakens them and reduces their chances of survival. Returning these tortoises increases the chances of survival for the whole tortoise population in Senegal.

Let us hope this becomes a trend. There are many endangered species who could benefit from the return of animals (or their offspring) who were taken away years ago. 

For now I hope the 46 tortoises settle in and feel at home in what is really their natural home.