A giant tortoise nicknamed Lonesome George living in Galapagos National Park who has yet to produce offspring in his long life is getting two more chances to become a father.
George, estimated to be between 90 and 100 years old and believed to be the last living member of the Geochelone abigdoni species, is getting two new mates to produce viable offspring.
According to studies from Yale University, his new mates “are genetically closer … more compatible, and could offer greater possibilities of producing offspring” compared to his two previous female partners who laid eggs the past three years, but none resulted in viable offspring.
The two potential mates arrived on Santa Cruz island, where George lives, on Thursday from the archipelago’s Spanish Island.
Let’s hope George is still up for the challenge of producing some little lonesomes to survive his species.
Don’t worry, he’s still got plenty of time. Even though he has reached triple digits, he is still expected to live for another 50 years.
Good luck, George!
[Image via AP Images.]
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