Originally published June 26, 2012 at 9:13 AM | Page modified June 26, 2012 at 12:03 PM
Lonesome George, the late and lamented Galapagos tortoise, to be displayed
The beloved Galapagos Islands giant tortoise known as Lonesome George will remain a tourist attraction even in death.
The Associated Press
RODRIGO BUENDIA / AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Lonesome George, the last known individual of the Pinta Island Tortoise, is pictured at Galapagos National Park's breeding center in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. Lonesome George has died at the age of about 100, but will be embalmed and displayed for tourists.
The beloved Galapagos Islands giant tortoise known as Lonesome George will remain a tourist attraction even in death.
Ecuador's environment minister says the reptile that became a symbol of disappearing species will be embalmed and placed on display on Santa Cruz island.
Minister Marcela Aguinaga told reporters Tuesday that an autopsy determined that Lonesome George died of old age. He was believed to be about 100 years old.
Lonesome George was the last of the Pinta Island giant tortoise subspecies, and he failed to leave offspring despite the best efforts of conservationists.
He was discovered in 1972 discovery on Pinta Island and became an ambassador of sorts for the archipelago off Ecuador's coast whose unique flora and fauna helped inspire Charles Darwin's ideas on evolution.
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