Giant tortoise Lonesome George’s death leaves the world one subspecies poorer

QUITO — Lonesome George has died, leaving the world one subspecies poorer.  Estimated to be more than 100 years old, the creature’s cause of death remains unclear and a necropsy is planned. Lonesome George is being kept in a cold chamber to prevent decomposition prior to the procedure.

Lonesome George was discovered on Pinta Island in 1972 at a time when giant tortoises of his type, Geochelone nigra abingdoni, were already believed to be extinct.  He will be missed.  Image by Eric Gauthier (2011)