Showing posts with label T is for Tortoises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label T is for Tortoises. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

"T" Is For Tortoises" ABC Wednesday.

 

Have you ever heard of "Lonesome George" The Tortoise.  Well, this is the famous "Lonesome George". He is believed to be the last of his species left on the planet.  If they can't find a mate for Lonesome George to mate with, when he dies his species will die with him.




In 1972 (38 years ago.) National Park wardens found "George" and took him back to the research center, at the Darwin Research Center, Galapagos Islands. He is 'caged' with two other females who are similar genetically, but he's so lonesome that he lost interest in procreating. 




"Lonesome George" is believed to be between 6o to 100 years old. No one knows for sure just how old "Lonesome George" is.  The female tortoises they have caged with him have laid eggs, but none so far have ever hatched any little tortoises. If the eggs were ever to hatch, and are proven to be "Lonesome George's" offspring, it will represent a landmark success for conservationists, who are keen to rescue the species from imminent demise and re-establish the tortoises on Pinta.




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