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Lonely Galapagos Tortoise May Sire Young

AP
posted: 13 DAYS 20 HOURS AGO
comments: 116
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QUITO, Ecuador (July 21) - Lonesome George, the long-living Galapagos Islands giant tortoise thought to be the last of his kind, might soon be a father.
The Galapagos National Park announced Monday 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.

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The eggs have appeared "after 36 years of multiple efforts ... when we thought it was impossible for the tortoise known as Lonesome George to reproduce," the park said in a statement.
Found in 1972 on Pinta island, George is estimated to be in his 70s — middle age for a giant tortoise.
It will take another 120 days to learn if the eggs are viable.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
2008-07-22 09:53:22
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Chamleewf

09:03 AMJul 27 2008

As an amature tortoise keeper, I think this is great news, but--- the hatchlings will not be purebreds they will be a cross with George's closest type. Secondly the report is in error, the eggs can be determened viable or not by passing a strong light thru them to see if there is any development, after just a few weeks. they should hatch in a few months, if viable.

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Newconcord6

03:17 PMJul 26 2008

GLAD OLD GEORGE FINALLY GOT THE URGE. IF THE EGGS HATCH WILL THE BABIES BE KEPT IN CAPTIVITY ? HOW LONG BEFORE THEY WOULD BE OLD ENOUGH TO REPRODUCE?WHERE WILL THEY FIND MATES? INCEST?

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LKPlumley

02:44 AMJul 25 2008

When did the last female die? Does anybody know?

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Bansheemarc

12:26 AMJul 23 2008

TURTLES DOING IT MAKES ME TINGLY ALL OVER

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Baldcwby

10:40 PMJul 23 2008

you go george 70 is prime age for turtles, specially if`n they live till 150 and on

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CliffSung

10:14 PMJul 23 2008

rochafam06 09:48 PMJul 23 2008 dsmithsfamily . would you rather have me save your life or the fricking tortoise and really which one one of us would really care? yes it's me cause george is to busy trying to catch some puntang and his not having very go luck onece in what was 20 years OMG humans first then animals idiot---------- you do know that humans are a species of animal right, Homo sapiens...

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Mamasally112

10:02 PMJul 23 2008

Lonesome George will have to get another name, he isn't lonesome any.more Lonesome George said to his friend, say lady would you like to lay a few eggs for me today . There isn't to many of us left and you know i'm getting on up there. We need to produce before it's to late. (and how in the world , he looks so slow, and he is so big) i guess there are some things you don't need to give instructions on.

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WORLDSEA7

09:57 PMJul 23 2008

Viva, Viva Viagra.

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Pbriancal

09:56 PMJul 23 2008

rochafam06 09:48 PMJul 23 2008 dsmithsfamily . would you rather have me save your life or the fricking tortoise and really which one one of us would really care? yes it's me cause george is to busy trying to catch some puntang and his not having very go luck onece in what was 20 years OMG humans first then animals idiotWhat the hell are you babbling about? What does humans first have to do with this story. It's not an either/or. Although I'd much rather you die than Lonesome George.

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Mackfleetwood25

09:54 PMJul 23 2008

WELL IT GOES TO SAY YOURE NEVER TO OLD TO GET LAYED

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