Lonesome George was a giant tortoise of the Chelonoidis nigra abingdonii subspecies, found on Pinta Island in the Galápagos archipelago. He became known globally as a symbol of conservation efforts for endangered species. After being the last known tortoise of his kind, which went extinct due to human activities such as hunting and habitat destruction, George was discovered in 1971 and brought to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. For decades, conservationists attempted to locate a female tortoise to encourage breeding and save the subspecies from extinction. Despite various efforts, including hybridization attempts with other tortoise subspecies, George remained solitary until his death. On June 24, 2012, Lonesome George died at approximately 100 years of age. His body was found by staff at the research station, marking a symbolic conclusion to an era of species conservation initiatives that highlighted the impact of human actions on biodiversity. His death triggered significant media coverage and widespread public interest, drawing attention to the challenges faced by other endangered species across the globe. George's legacy today serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving natural habitats and protecting wildlife from extinction.