Lonesome George: The celebrity tortoise

Jun 11, 2025

In this engaging discussion, James Gibbs, Vice President of Science and Conservation at the Galapagos Conservancy, shares his profound connection with Lonesome George, the last of his kind. He recounts the emotional journey surrounding George's solitary life and death, illustrating the urgent message of extinction. Gibbs opens up about the touching logistics of transporting George's body for taxidermy, sparking tears among onlookers. He emphasizes the hope for future conservation efforts, including the potential for cloning, highlighting the ongoing battle against biodiversity loss.

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ANECDOTE

James Gibbs' Relationship with George

James Gibbs personally cared for Lonesome George, taking his blood samples annually to monitor health.
George recognized Gibbs but was not particularly affectionate towards him, reflecting his solitary nature.

INSIGHT

George as an Extinction Symbol

Lonesome George was the world's rarest animal, representing his entire species.
His existence focused global attention on environmental fragility and extinction.

ANECDOTE

George's Unique Shell Description

Lonesome George had a unique, sculpted shell unlike other tortoises.
His shell was thin and sculpted for protection unnecessary in Galapagos, where predators are absent.

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In 2012, Lonesome George, the last tortoise of his species died.

George, from Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean, was a global symbol of conservation and brought to the attention of the world the reality of extinction.

James Gibbs, vice president of science and conservation at the Galapagos Conservancy knew George well. He looked after the tortoise in life, and in death. James says: “You know, moving Lonesome George across the islands by truck, people were asking, what's in the box? I said it's Lonesome George and people were crying and it was just very moving".

He tells Gill Kearsley how time ran out for Lonesome George and about the legacy he left.

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(Photo: Lonesome George. Credit: Rodrigo Buendia /AFP via Getty Images)