Pepe the Petrel: When Reading Becomes an Act of Conservation
With the support of Galápagos Conservancy, educator Ashleigh Klingman created “Pepe the Petrel of Galápagos,” a children’s story that has already reached more than 300 families across the islands. In just 20 pages, it invites children—and their families—to discover the magic of reading while learning to care for the archipelago’s unique biodiversity.
A Feathered Friend who Inspires New Stories
In the misty highlands of several remote islands, the endangered Galápagos petrel digs burrows or seeks out rocky crevices to shelter its chicks.
The population of this magnificent bird has declined over the past century due to invasive predators and habitat loss.
Now the Galápagos petrel has found an unexpected ally: a storybook. In this colorful tale, the petrel is given a name and a voice. Pepe the Petrel of Galápagos turns the struggle of this species into a story children can embrace, encountering this iconic species as a friend rather than a stranger.
During the book launch in San Cristóbal, families and children gathered to witness Pepe take flight through pages. One parent captured the emotion of the day:
“When I read this story with my children, I feel we grow closer to Galápagos. Reading is such a valuable way to nurture their love for nature, and this book makes it possible in a very special way.” — Cristian García, father
A Collaboration that Makes Dreams Possible
The creation of Pepe the Petrel of Galápagos was made possible thanks to the support of Galápagos Conservancy, which empowers local women leaders to develop projects that combine education, sustainability, and conservation. This support turned an idea into a tool that now inspires families across the islands.
“Galápagos Conservancy’s support was key to making this story possible. We have already shared it with more than 300 families. Our goal is to foster love for nature, convinced that reading as a family opens a world of dreams and awakens in every page the desire to protect it.” — Ashleigh Klingman, project leader
In doing so, Galápagos Conservancy shows that conservation is not only about protecting ecosystems, but also about strengthening the communities who live alongside them.
A Character with Local Roots
Pepe is not just a fictional character. His name comes from a community member who works with Ashleigh on a farm where petrels still nest. His care and dedication for these birds inspired the creation of the story’s main character.
The most moving moment of the launch came from the voice of a child who, after hearing the story, raised his hand and said:
“I love Pepe’s story and learning how to take care of the petrels.” — Ethan Intriago, child participant
That simple phrase confirmed that the story had fulfilled its purpose: to spark in young hearts the desire to protect Galápagos’ biodiversity.
A Seed that Grows
Pepe the Petrel of Galápagos is the second story Ashleigh Klingman has developed with the support of Galápagos Conservancy, as part of a broader project that uses reading as a bridge to conservation in early childhood.
These stories are accompanied by workshops with families and educators, where reading becomes a space to talk about the importance of caring for nature. Children not only enjoy the story but also begin to feel part of it: they draw the characters, share what they’ve learned at home, and express pride in the wildlife around them.
This effort shows that conservation does not only happen in labs or scientific expeditions—it also begins at home. If children grow up without knowing and loving species like the petrel, their future of these species will be uncertain. But each time a child opens Pepe’s story, a simple idea begins to take root: that protecting Galápagos starts with small actions that, together, make a lasting impact.
A Future we Can Write Together
Pepe the Petrel of Galápagos reminds us that conservation begins with stories that plant a love for nature in the youngest hearts. It also shows that this work needs allies.
Every family that opens this story and every child who is moved by Pepe reminds us that protecting Galápagos is a shared responsibility. By supporting Galápagos Conservancy, you can help ensure that today’s children grow up to become tomorrow’s guardians—ready to protect one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
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