The GALAPAGOS ISLANDS are a series of islands in SOUTH AMERICA near the equator that are part of the Republic of Ecuador. The islands are very volcanic, with continuous volcanic action for over 20 million years, which changes the landscape of the islands constantly; older islands sink while newer islands are formed. The islands have some of the most diverse and unique birds on the planet; including BLUE FOOTED BOOBIES and GALAPAGOS PENGUINS. This is the only place on earth that these birds are found.