Lonesome George Passed Away, The Last of his Species

Lonesome George, last of the Chelonoidis Abringdoni species

Last Sunday died at age 120 years, Lonesome George, the last tortoise of the “Chelonoidis Abringdoni” species.

The giant tortoise native to the Galapagos Islands, died childless after unsuccessful attempts to find a female of its species for reproduction and preservation.

The Galapagos National Park director, Edwin Naula, revealed that the turtle had been found in the center of his yard, lying motionless. Experts say his death was due to heart failure.

With Lonesome George’s death, the Chelonoidis Abringdoni species is extinguished. His body will be embalmed and will remain in the Galapagos National Park. (MZ)