Press release PR.RPU. P001.R01 - 2012-06-26 - No. No. 054

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The results show that the iconic reptile have died because aging.

Yesterday at 11:30 was conducted the autopsy of the body of Lonesome George in a special area of the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS), with the present fiscal environment, to discover the cause of death of this giant land tortoise , the last of the species from Pinta Island (Chelonoidis abingdoni), who was found dead Sunday morning in his yard from the center of giant tortoise breeding in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.

The body was kept in cold storage at a temperature of two degrees Celsius to prevent decomposition.

The autopsy was conducted by a team of scientists and technicians made by Marilyn Cruz, a veterinarian specializing in wildlife, Washington Tapia, Biologist specialist Galapagos reptiles, James Gibbs, biologist specializing in reptiles and scientific advisor to the GNP

Registered specialists and measures throughout the body, whose parts were checked thoroughly and found nothing abnormal. After opening the shell, all organs were inspected and did not find any abnormality, except that his liver had an unusual color, presumably typical of the age.

During three hours samples were taken from each organ and tissue for laboratory analysis. The conclusion is that the death was from natural causes, probably caused by aging.

With the death of the last survivor of the Pinta, Chelonoides abingdoni are reduced to 10 species of tortoises from the islands that are part of the protected area of ??the Galapagos National Park.

Fausto Llerena, the park ranger behind the turtle

Lonesome George was part of the life of Don Fausto, as we all know in the Galapagos. The ranger was one of the few who were in the expedition that found in 1971 in a remote part of the island Pinta, when it was believed that these turtles were extinct. Since then, Mr. Faust was always involved in the life of emblematic reptile. In 1982 became his caretaker, but beyond that, he formed a friendship between them beyond the bounds of reason, because from the first day the Lone Ranger, never was alone. Faust was always with him.

Faust enough into your yard to leave food or water bowl clean and quiet looking reptile, stretched to the height closest to the ranger's face and opened his mouth as if to speak. Faust could spend much time with Solitaire, including talking to him. At home, Don Fausto has a large collection of wooden replicas of Solitaire, carved by himself. These days Don Fausto carries in his shirt, on her chest, a black ribbon, symbolizing the loss of a turtle that the world was the last of his kind, but he was was a friend.

Historical data:

1971: An expedition of scientists and rangers are Lonesome George on Pinta island.
1972: It is moved to the Breeding Center of the GNP in Santa Cruz.
1982: Fausto Llerena is responsible for the care of turtles breeding center
1993: placed in the yard of the two female solo Chelonoides becki species, morphologically similar to George.
2008: For the first time after 15 years together, the turtles that share the yard with Lone spawn. That same year it was discovered that the eggs were infertile.
2009: Females lay eggs again, but again were infertile.
2011: Genetic analyzes reveal that the closest species to see Lonesome George is the Spanish island, so you change the Barnyard female reptile.
2012: The iconic turtle is found dead in his yard, at that ranger who nursed him so long.

The GNPS is preparing a tribute to Lonesome George, which display a photo exhibition of the reptile in his yard. Through social networks Facebook and Twitter the Galapagos National Park Service, has asked fans to send photos of Solitaire. The best photos will be put on display.

The body will be embalmed Lonesome George and displayed so that future generations know him. The exhibition will be presented in an interpretive center dedicated only for turtles, which will be built and will be named this turtle