looks like the pinta island tortoise is now extinct.

"Early this morning, Lonesome George, the sole remaining Pinta Island tortoise and Galapagos conservation icon, was found dead in his corral at the Tortoise Breeding and Rearing Center in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, by members of the Galapagos National Park Service.

Fausto Llerena, the park ranger who discovered George and has been his long-term caretaker, was unhappily surprised when he arrived at Lonesome George’s corral this morning. Fausto discovered George stretched out in the direction of his watering hole with no signs of life.

Possible causes of death of this individual, the sole survivor of the Pinta Island tortoise (Chelonoidis abingdoni), will not be known until after a necropsy. The body of Lonesome George, whose age is unknown but estimated at more than 100 years old, is currently being held in a cold chamber to avoid decomposition prior to a necropsy."

more at the link below. be at peace, george.

galapagos national park service's statement

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]