Lonesome George crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Lonesome George crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Lonesome George crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Chelonoidis nigra abingdoni, or Pinta Island giant tortoise, is a subspecies of Galapagos Islands tortoise native to Ecuador's Pinta Island, believed to have become extinct in June 24th, 2012.

The Pinta Island tortoise is the rarest animal in the world. The last known individual of the subspecies was a male named "Lonesome George", a conservation icon, who died on 24 June, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. local time in Ecuador, South America.

He was believed to be over 100 years old, and he weighed 200 pounds. The event may have marked the total extinction of his subspecies. Lonesome George had been found dead by his caretaker of 40 years. The Director of the Galapagos National Park suspects that the cause of death was heart failure consistent with the end of the natural life cycle of a tortoise.

In his last years, he was known as the rarest creature in the world. George served as a potent symbol for conservation efforts in the Galapagos Islands and internationally.

Steve Irwin, the Australian Zoologist, visited the Galapagos Islands with its famous giant tortoises, and recorded the events on film for his TV programs.

Farewell to Lonesome George, the last representative of the giant tortoise subspecies. He was a symbol of biodiversity loss, but his legacy is felt in the work to restore Galapagos habitats.

Lonesome George's death is very sad news for me and for the world.

Good-Bye, George!!