Lonesome Male of the Galapagos
Jo Tuckman on the Galapagos Islands
Celebrity is not usually a characteristic associated with middle-aged giant tortoises from the Galapagos Islands. However, few have been so influenced by humanity as Lonesome George. Fame came to George in 1971when he was discovered on the tiny uninhabited island of Pinta. He is known to be the last surviving member of his sub-species but it is hoped that George will pass on his genes to a new generation.

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The numbers of Galapagos tortoises are said to have begun their decline when it was realized that they could supply excellent fresh meat for passing ships, because they were know to be able to survive for six months without food and water. Nevertheless, it was the effect of the goats introduced to the Galapagos by the early settlers that are understood to have destroyed the ecological balance on the islands and the livelihood of George's clan.