Lonesome George, the last remaining subspecies Chelonoidis abingdoni of the giant tortoise on Pinta Island in the Galapagos Islands has died.
George, who was believed to be about 100 years old—his species was known to live to be 200—was identified in 1972. He was one of the species of tortoises that helped shape Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Since 1993 scientists have been trying to find Lonesome George a mate. Twice two female companions laid eggs, but they were infertile.
A celebrity in his home at the Galapagos National Park, George helped to attract 180,000 visitors each year. The park is considering embalming the tortoise for display after an autopsy is performed to determine the cause of death.
