Source: Photographer: Mike Weston CC License: Pinta Island Tortoise Mysterious Demise Some of those hatched during Lonesome George’s captivity, spurring hopes that others of his species still exist in the wild, despite the fact that a decades-long, concerted search had failed to locate any members of this unique animal species. However, in November of 2012, scientists reported that genetic testing identified 17 tortoises that possessed partial genetic matches with the Pinta Island Tortoise. However, any offspring would not be representational of a true Pinta Island Tortoise.Įggs occurred many times, yet all proved unviable and failed to hatch. Source: Photographer: Vince Smith CC License: Pinta Island Tortoise Captive Breeding EffortsĮxperts made repeated attempts to breed Lonesome George with related species. His age was estimated at 100 years, which does not measure as especially old for a species of Galapagos Tortoise. Lamentably Lonesome George passed away suddenly on June 24, 2013.He also lived as a protected resident of the Charles Darwin Research Facility, located on one of the islands. George measured 40 inches (100 cm) long and weighed approximately 194 pounds (88 kg).

That devastation of the food supply serves as the suspected culprit in the loss of the Pinta Island Tortoise. They also chose to investigate the devastation of the native species by non-native wild goats that had been introduced to the islands.Researchers discovered Lonesome George in 1971. The Pinta Island Tortoise and its last survivor, Lonesome George, represented the rarest known creature on earth.Source: Public Domain Image Pinta Island Tortoise Facts

Pinta tortoises