Lonesome George, conservation icon of the Galápagos islands, the rarest living creature on Earth, may soon be a father.

The 80-year-old giant tortoise was discovered in 1972 among the foliage of Pinta island in the archipelago. He has since been cared for as the sole survivor of his species.

The Galapagos National Park recently announced that a female tortoise that has accompanied George since 1993 laid three intact eggs that are being cared for in an artificial incubator. The female belongs to the closest existing phenotype to that of George.

The eggs have appeared after many years of attempts at reproduction. Researchers had thought that this occurrence would never be possible. It is still unknown as to whether the eggs will hatch but time will tell.

Why not visit Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin research Centre on Santa Cruz island and find out more?

Give our Latin America specialists a call on 08456 345 118 to find out more.

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