Lonesome George - giant tortoise from the Galapagos Islands

Thought to be the last of his kind, George, a giant tortoise from the Galapagos Islands may soon become a father. “It takes two to dance” and Lonesome George - in his 70s - worked really hard on his “girlfriend” for the last 36 years. Just a few days ago the Galapagos National Park announced that the female has laid three intact eggs that are being cared for in an artificial incubator.

“Even if these three eggs are fertile and the born tortoises survive it will take several (genetic) generations to think of having a Pinta purebred … even centuries,” the park said in a statement.

In four months we’ll see if George is going to be paps or not.

Considered by many scientists, the rarest creature on Earth and a symbol of conservation, the Pinta island tortoise, showed little interest in reproducing during 36 years in captivity. He did it afterall. Great job George! You can do it (again?)!

Bill, any tips to George?

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