The Cerro Azul tortoises were not affected by the 2008 eruption, although the 1998 eruption did force the National Park authorities to move the tortoises by land and helicopter.
In contrast to other areas affected by the 2008 eruption, the Cerro Azul tortoises remained unaffected. However, the 1998 eruption prompted park officials to employ a multi-modal approach – including land and helicopter transportation – to relocate the tortoises.