Sebastian’s T-Shirt
The Galapagos Tortoise Programme recently began a productive relationship with Lonesome George & Co. (LOGO&co.). LOGO&co. is a for-profit clothing company, which has built into their business model, not only profits, but also social and environmental objectives. This "multiple bottom line" approach to business encouraged the Galapagos Tortoise Programme to develop a partnership with the goals of 1) developing an inspirational tortoise-based education and outreach programme, and 2) finding mechanisms to generate reliable funding for our research, education and conservation activities.
To this end, LOGO&co. has produced a limited edition T-shirt line under the name of "Sebastian and Carolina". The Sebastian and Carolina T-shirts are based on the profiles of two of the Galapagos tortoises who are participating in our research programme. These two specimens were the first couple to be fitted with Global Positioning System tracking devices (see What We Do, and Meet the Tortoises).
For every T-shirt sold, LOGO&co. and the Galapagos Tortoise Programme split all Gross Margin 50:50. This means that for every T-shirt purchased, approximately $15 goes directly to fund tortoise research, conservation, and environmental education. We think this is a great idea, and so do some of our friends…..!
Skandar and Randal Keynes
The Galapagos Tortoise Programme is proud to count Randal and Skandar Keynes among its key friends and supporters. Both are direct descendents of Charles Darwin (great great and great great great grandsons respectively), perhaps Galapagos' most famous champion, and both are outstanding individuals in their own right. Randal works tirelessly to bring the life of his famous ancestor alive to a global audience and to protect the Galapagos Islands which were so instrumental in the development of Darwin's "Theory of Natural Selection".
Skandar is an internationally renowned actor who is perhaps best known for his roles in the “Chronicles of Narnia” trilogy.
We were delighted when Randal visited us for the second time on Galapagos in May of this year, when we took him in search of Sebastian Keynes, Randal’s tortoise namesake. Unfortunately we didn’t find Sebastian, but we were lucky enough to find a similarly impressive large, old adult male.
We were honoured when Skandar decided to promote our work on his web site by posting a picture of himself wearing one of our Sebastian T-shirts. We thank him by doing our very best to promote the conservation and well-being of the Galapagos tortoise. He will be welcome whenever he comes to Galapagos.
Jennifer Stone
Jennifer is an important force behind the development and growth of two organizations dedicated to raising funds for conservation on Galapagos: the Galapagos Conservation Trust, and the Swiss Friends of Galapagos.
Based in London and Zurich respectively, these organizations support the Galapagos Tortoise Programme financially and through their collaborative spirit. We hope that Jennifer likes her "Carolina" T-shirt, and that she enjoyed her day in the highlands of Santa Cruz chasing (in vain) Sebastian.
How you can buy a “Sebastian” or “Carolina” T-shirt and contribute directly to the Galapagos Tortoise Programme.
T-shirts can be purchased from the Lonesome George & Co. online store, or at the retail outlets on Galapagos and in Quito and Guayaquil airports. For Zoo-goers, we are also developing what will be a rewarding collaboration with the Houston Zoo Inc., and T-shirts will be in sale in their gift shop. 
