**Animals: Lonesome George, the Galápagos Tortoise, Seeks Soul Mate, with Little Success**
By Erica Ho | @ericamho | May 12, 2011 | + Tweet
Rodrigo Buendia / AFP / Getty Images
Lonesome George, the last known individual of the Pinta Island tortoise, is pictured at the breeding center of the Galápagos National Park. When it comes to dating, no one has it worse than Lonesome George. Forget casting a wide net—George can't even find a girl of his own species.
The famous Galápagos tortoise, likely the last of his kind, just can't seem to find a mate he truly likes. That, or he secretly enjoys the bachelor life (Videos: 12 Bizarre Animal Friendships). Since he was discovered in 1971, officials and scientists have tried to find a female of the same species for George, a Pinta tortoise, to reproduce with. Despite offering a substantial reward, no female Pinta has ever been found.
As a result, scientists have played matchmaker, pairing Lonesome George with a series of ladies that would make speed-daters dizzy. Initially, he showed no interest, preferring gluttony over promiscuity (thanks to his food-happy caretakers). "He was too heavy," said his veterinarian. "He had little or no interest because he wasn't fit."
Was it that, or were the ladies ultimately not interested in the flab? Online Ralph Lauren Shop, George slimmed down in the early '90s and has been strutting his stuff since then. He eventually met two genetically promising prospects near his home (what can we say, proximity breeds familiarity), and even (gasp) went all the way with one of them.
While the breeding attempts were unsuccessful, this paved the way for a few Española tortoises in January, giving George new spice in his dating life. "He's getting to know them," Llerena said. "Lately, he seems more animated."
(List: Galápagos Checklist: Six Points to Remember)
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