Green Options

Conservationists are delighted at news that Lonesome George, the last remaining giant tortoise of his kind, may soon become a father … at the age of 90.

Last Tuesday, amazed keepers discovered a clutch of unhatched eggs in his “bachelor” pen in the Galapagos Islands.

No wonder they were amazed - a team of scientists have been doggedly coaxing the sullen creature to mate since 1993, when they introduced two female tortoises of a different subspecies into his pen. Until now, George, the last known Pinta Island tortoise had shown little interest in his companions. But at age 90, George, now said to be in his sexual prime, was finally spurred into action.

The last known living Geochelone abigdoni tortoise will hopefully be a dad this time around. He has been living with two female tortoises of a similar species - and now there are five eggs.

200-pound George, between 90 and 100 years old,was discovered in 1972. Last year, one of his female companions laid eggs, but they turned out to be infertile. The female tortoises are of the [...]