Leonardo DiCaprio Helps Launch Massive 'Rewild' Operation In The Galapagos

Ten-year program will work to save endangered species, battle illegal fishing and ocean pollution, and repair damage from unsustainable ecotourism.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is helping a massive $43 million initiative to “rewild” the struggling Galapagos Islands, which he describes as “one of the most irreplaceable” spots on the planet. The money will fund major projects over the next 10 years, including efforts to restore Floreana Island, home to 54 threatened species, and reintroduce 13 locally extinct species. One of those is the Floreana mockingbird, the first mockingbird described by Charles Darwin. Funds will also establish captive breeding operations to save disappearing species like the pink iguana, address invasive species like rats and goats, stop illegal fishing, battle ocean pollution and repair the damage from unsustainable ecotourism.