One of the saddest days this century...

[Screamy]

Lonesome George died on sunday, estimated to be 100 years old. 100 years old would be a good age for humans to pass, scientists expected Lonesome george could have lasted another few decades, as a giant tortoise has a life expectancy of 200 years. He was the only tortoise of his kind, the last Pinta island subspecies, and he was listed on my endangered species video I created.

He was found by his long time keeper who has been his keeper and pal for 40 years. The death is unknown. There will be an investigation and they will embalm george so he can be kept for furture generations. Here is a link for a quick story....

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/06/25/sci-lonesome-george-tortoise.html

 

[Nakamova]

I got to see him when I was in the Galapagos in January! He was pretty shy, but definitely impressive. All the giant tortoises I saw there had this prehistoric look, as if humans aren't even on their radar.

They do have breeding programs, so that the other subspecies of Galapagos tortoise will hopefully survive and endure.

 

[julie wishes]

I know so sad