The existence of seals and penguins on the Island as a source of food for passing sailors was confirmed in documented records of a further visit by sailors that indicated there were thousands of seals and penguins, and also many tortoises on the Island. However, the Island’s role as a source of fresh food for sailors only began in earnest in 1503 when Antonia de Saldanha and his men killed and feasted on the penguins, seals and tortoises.
