Lonely George - the only representative of the extinct species

There are such lands on our planet that it is not easy to reach. These include the Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean. This is the territory of Ecuador. They were known for their rare species of animals and reptiles. After visiting this wonderful corner of our planet in 1835, Charles Darwin came to the idea of creating the famous work "The Origin of Species." Even then, he described the huge turtles discovered on the islands, similar to the specimen of a male found in 1972, who received the nickname Lonely George.

As early as 1959, Ecuador announced the creation of the National Park in the Galapagos Islands . In the same year, the Charles Darwin Foundation was founded, which originally was supposed to contribute to the preservation of the local unique ecosystem. Today, scientists conduct research aimed at studying rare species of fauna and flora that inhabit the Galapagos. This fund has its own scientific station on one of the islands. It was on her that Lonely George was held. Do not be surprised at such an unusual name. Its name was given to the turtle in honor of the popular American actor George Gobel.

Until recently, this giant was considered the last representative of the subspecies of the Abingdonian elephant, but modern studies of scientists have shown that on our planet there must still be individuals who share similar genetic traits.

For several decades in the park, where Lonely George was kept, they tried to get offspring from him. Once it almost succeeded. Living with him in the same cage, turtles laid eggs, from which the young were to hatch. For better safety they were placed in an incubator with ideal conditions. But the embryos were not viable. According to scientists, eggs were unfertilized.

Although it is believed that the ability to reproduce this kind of turtles does not lose for 200 years, but this time the miracle did not happen. Lonely George died, and remained the only representative of this species.

There is an opinion that these reptiles were destroyed about 150 years ago. Documents of that time testify that the local population used them for food, and the seafarers visiting the islands were not averse to enjoying delicacies. Sailors called turtles live canned food, because they were able to stay in the hold for a long time without water and food. This led to their complete disappearance as a species.

Unfortunately, despite a very careful attitude, Lone George also died. The turtle, according to scientists, barely reached its centenary line. According to experts, it is believed that he died a natural death, and unable to leave offspring after himself.

On the example of these reptiles, one can see how irrational and cruel the person behaves. Indeed, if it were not for the general extermination for the sake of food, this species could exist on earth to this day, to delight people with its longevity and the power that is characteristic of all turtles on earth.