They won a prize during the Semaine du Tourisme des Iles de l’Océan Indien (SETIL) thanks to this project. Owen and Mary Ann Griffiths from the Vanilla Park want to repopulate Rodrigues with its giant tortoises as they were killed off long ago and used either as food or to treat some diseases. The Rodrigues Giant Tortoise and Cave Project includes 294 “pioneers”, placed in the natural park of Anse-Quitor in Plaine-Corail. The owners of the Vanilla Park assert that the animals will have absolutely no problem of adaptation to their new environment as the climate there better corresponds to their needs than the one in Rivière-des-Anguilles. They left Mauritius last Saturday according to strict norms by ship before receiving a warm welcome in Rodrigues in the presence of the Australian high commissioner and other local personalities. Ireland Blyth Ltd and Catovair are sponsoring the trip.