Preserving Lonesome George
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- čas přidán 21. 09. 2014
- Museum scientists and a master taxidermist describe the painstaking process-part art, part science--of preserving Lonesome George, the famous Pinta Island tortoise who died in 2012 in the Galapagos Islands. As the last known survivor of the tortoise species Chelonoidis abingdoni, Lonesome George served as a global icon of conservation-and a reminder of the urgent need to address ever-increasing extinctions. After a limited time on view at the Museum Lonesome George returns to Ecuador as part of that nation’s patrimony.
#LonesomeGeorge #taxidermy #GalapagosIslands #gianttortoise
The Lonesome George exhibit is on view in the Astor Turret on the Museum's fourth floor from September 19, 2014, through January 4, 2015. Learn more about the exhibition: www.amnh.org/exhibitions/curre...
VIDEO CREDITS
MUSIC
“Indigo” by Guillermo De La Barreda, Tomas Jacobi, and Nicholas Berry/
Warner Chappell Production Music
“Early Fog Lifter” by Ken Lewis, Scott Dente and Matt Stanfield/
Warner Chappell Production Music
“Viaje Por Carretera” by Alex Wilson/
Warner Chappell Production Music
“Moving South” by Alexander Salter/
Warner Chappell Production Music
TITLE SEQUENCE
Alberto Ludena
ILLUSTRATIONS
George A. Dante, Jr.
Roelant Savery
PHOTOGRAPHY
AMNH/C. Chesek
AMNH/D. Finnin
AMNH/R. Mickens
Ole Hamann
Alizon Llerena
Pete Oxford/Minden Pictures/Corbis
Galapagos Conservancy
Galapagos National Park
James Gibbs
Charles Shelby
VIDEO
AMNH/J. Bauerle
AMNH/E. Chapman
AMNH/L. Stevens
Galapagos Digital.com/Miguel Alvear
EXHIBITION
Lonesome George is presented in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate and Galapagos Conservancy.
SPANISH TRANSLATION
Courtesy of Cecilia Alvear
This video and all media incorporated herein (including text, images, and audio) are the property of the American Museum of Natural History or its licensors, all rights reserved. The Museum has made this video available for your personal, educational use. You may not use this video, or any part of it, for commercial purposes, nor may you reproduce, distribute, publish, prepare derivative works from, or publicly display it without the prior written consent of the Museum.
© American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY - Věda a technologie
And yo gotta think, George probably never knew why he was so important. Animals have no concept of extinction or conservation. All he knew was that he had a lot of people who took great care of him.
Well...humans DID kill all his relatives. And they are working on the other island tortoises as well, as they are all under tremendous pressure. They are decreasing in numbers, not increasing, remember.
@@RU-zm7wj did you hear about diego the tortoise, who increase his species' population 60x? their number are indeed increasing
@@technerdbird There are many islands, many species, numbers are at dangerously low levels. If some tortoises have been born on one island, that's good.
@@RU-zm7wj i was using that as an example.. the consevation efforts are working, so far most captive breeding efforts have been successful. better than nothing
@@technerdbird You have a positive point; a way to go yet, though, I'm afraid.
He's been dead since 2012`????????? I thought he was alive all this time :((
Same
Ditto
Reality can be disappointing
Me too, I'm about to cry
This video came out 6 years ago
Giant tortoises are perhaps the most prehistoric-looking creatures one could still describe as serene.
Yup and look cute too. Looking like a grandma or grandpa wanting to tell their stories
@Optimus Slime lol fr though
@@vaporean_boylove.0w083 omg you’re so right 😢
I have my family pet tortoise sleeping next to me right now. He doesn't look so serene with his legs sprawled out lol
He certainly looks adorable though :)
Crocodiles says hello.
Video: He hasn’t really had much interest in females.
*Shows George chasing after female as she runs away*
She was scared, look at the sizeee difference
@Budget Boost DIY Biting is actually a very important part of the mating ritual for these tortoises.
@@NeelTheSphynx kinky
@@caketin4216 LMFAO
Nah he’s not that interested, you have NO IDEA how brutal the turtle mating process is
sadly he died at around 100 their average life span is 200 years wow
wow, he died middle aged..
I do remember hearing that he did have multiple health problems that are now treatable if caught early on that were not known about when he was first taken into captivity. They were not really immediately life threatening but did cut down his lifespan a lot.
300 years is their average life span
no, their average lifespan is 100 years. He died a good, old age
@@christined3953 lol
Maybe Lonesome George was infertile, either way we have lost the most
iconic symbol of nature the world will ever have. Rip Gorgeous George
you we're literally one of a kind.
Fish Tales gorgeous george was a wrestler
He was gay
Mojjo M, Trust me they can still try... Alot... I've seen some stuff guys.
Mojjo M Try it for yourself in a few decades.
The video said they tried to breed him but he was never interested in any of the potential mates.
Welcome to the people who just got this on their recommended.
Hah
Hey
Thank you.
hullo :3
Oh hi lmao
My dad met lonesome George years ago b4 he passed. He was so beautiful. So sad😔
It's heart breaking D:
I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful dad. 😢
Sorry about your dad.
hefty magic and you're better?
Oh snap, burned.
0:31 that size difference tho. she was like "NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE"
Such a long thick neck....
🤣 I was literally thinking she was probably scared for her life. She was moving quick as well.
"DUDE IT AIN'T GONNA FIT"
She's moving away as fast as she can lmao
It said he wasn't interested in any of them but ok
R.I.P. Lonesome George.
TheDcgj45 how you dont have top comment
TheDcgj45 Ii
very sad 😢😢
Thanks for copy
f
RIP lonesome george
ahhh:(
I will always miss him
thuzan117 Gone but not forgotten
would be cool to see dem come back
I got the chance to see him in his taxidermized form and the tortoise breeding center around 4 years ago while I was in The Galapagos. It was incredible just how huge he was and how real and alive he looked. Photos could never do the justice of really seeing him. The people I met while on each island were incredible and so passionate about continuous conservation of the ecosystem that is becoming more and more tainted by tourists, pollution, and illegal fishing. I wish to go back someday if visitors are still allowed.
very nice
The box said "perishable"
Now I'm sorry but
Come on
Sterling_Mustang probably a pretty funny good prank
Sterling_Mustang also it may need to be treated and stay cool to not rot
Tissue requires refrigeration up until it's prepared for use, but I get where you're coming from
It's appropriate, a dead tortoise would turn pretty funky if they didn't refrigerate it and move it ASAP to where it could be worked on, so it definitely was perishable.
Sterling_Mustang - ?? Umm, as it should. It’s labeled for a reason. 😳Yikes!
I tear whenever I hear about George's death. RIP buddy
Why tortoise deaths are always sad. The kungfu panda scene still makes me 😞 sad
Crying right now honestly. Incredibly sad loss.
Boo freaking hoo. What about the starving children in africa?
@@kanon1118 This guy is just expressing his respect to George, oh my god 🤦🏻♂️ If you’re so concerned about the children of Africa, then why don’t you do something about it instead of lying on your comfy bed and watch CZcams.
@@firemangan2731 becasue i'm not concerned, I was one of those childrens in africa well not exactly what i mean to say is i was in that situation, never felt sorry for myself at all and i got myself through it.
My parents: Asking when will I marry
Me: *Knows that the family name dies with me*
Omg- 🤯
😂 poor dude
At least the family's genes, which are actually important, are probably not dying with you.
Lmao well damn that took a dark turn... I mean hey you never know.
@@andyhaochizhang "which are actually important" sir/ma'am/anything in between are you saying this person is unimportant-
I love it when turtles or tortoises have such simple names like Jonathan or George, I have my own turtle named Timmy. I think it's just so adorable. RIP Lonesome George, you're probably the most beautiful tortoise I've ever seen :)
Poor guy. I remember praying everyday that he would find a partner and have offspring. He will always be remembered...
Sucks to find out prayer dosen't work right. Me too
@Greta Wilson wait what!? That can't be right
@@kanon1118 sucks to find out that your life literally is worthless, right?
I was fortunate enough to meet Lonesome George during the mid-80s. My trip to the Galapagos during my teenage years was absolutely the trip of a lifetime, and although I often wish that I could go back, it saddens me that tourism and global warming have changed it irrevocably.
I've heard of lonesome George as a young child in love with animals and science... Goodbye sweet Legend. An Icon for conservation.
I did too. It was on a program called The Deep, which was a kids cartoon show about a family of underwater explorers and in one episode it's about Lonesome George. It's currently on Netflix and was seriously great to watch.
This is tragic. I can’t be the only one who thought this meant preserving his life.
Yep now I’m turning this off
Put George's brain in a robot body and give him rocket launchers built into his shell so he'll be badass
@@drnarwhal2888 YES
@@drnarwhal2888 HECK YEAH
@Boarbot 78 You're not the only one. I clicked the video only because I thought they would show how they took care of him or something.
He's giving me master ugway vibes.
I had the privilege of seeing this guy in his last days. I don’t remember much but watching this was magical
The Galapagos tortoise is making a comeback and I hope George knows he brought a lot of attention to his kind and because of it, people are doing everything to protect the species ❤️
That is great news! =D
Pinta Island Tortoises are extinct, and George is the last member of his kind.I think you are getting species mixed up here.
@@Mooffgamesgamer Correction. Pure blooded Pinta Island tortioses are extinct, but theyve found mixed race tortioses with Pinta genes and they are breeding them back to get to as close to pure blooded Pinta as possible. Same with Floreana Island tortioses. They may never ben 100 percent but 90 percent or so is pretty darn good and needs to be done. That way the genes carry on and then who knows what can develop from there?
@@BigJFindAWay what about the other 2 extinct species? Hopefully the Fernandina Species will not end up becoming extinct as well.
@@Mooffgamesgamer Thank God we found them and have a chance to increase their numbers.
damn i shed a tear, i met George back in 2010 I visit the Island because my Mother is from Ecuador and it was our first time visiting the island. George was alone very true, but many like myself was able to meet and greet, with George and the care taker as well. People did try to see if George can get with any of the other turtle from what they told us, but not a single luck even george wasn't into the other turtle, his been the last of his kind for almost 100yrs already. Animals are beautiful and live is valuable. I'm happy they were able to preserve george just the way i remember him. and it hit me when the narrator says "a piece of organism that no longer walks the earth" that was a sad touch. well I hope some day I can visit NY just to visit George. RIP George.
Love how the artist explained his struggle with scientific work. What he's doing is most important work, but it's also sad, because it's not a reflection of human creativity like usual art, but of our mistakes. I don't think there's any better team, this work is vital, thank you.
Only death brings perspective to life itself, what a sad story
George Dante was my next door neighbor and was an amazing artist when he was a child. Glad to see he was able to complete this amazing project. Congratulations to you George.
Thanks everyone who helped take care of LG before and after his death. R.I.P may you find lots of female shell in turtle heaven.
72 to be exact
kajol devgan AHAHAHAJAJAHAHAKAAHHAAH
Jeffrey Goff Nope, he interest lots of male shell.
Wisewarna Nazara,
72 juicy virgins....Lol. arabic FairyTales' scriptures.
My Own Will NEVER god's Will it literally doesn’t say that anywhere in Islam LMFAO
I am so thrilled to see this beautiful sculpture and even more thrilled to know he is back in Ecuador. I had the great honor of meeting Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin Station in the 1980s. Upon seeing him, in that first moment, i was in complete awe, if not shock. He took my breath away - he was absolutely magnificent. LG possessed a sense of graneur and dignity about him. For me, it was love at first sight. I have always adored tortoises and currently have a Russian tortoise named Clyde. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about LG as I interact with Clyde, which is a lot. What an unforgettable and rare priviledge it was to have met Lonesome George. Love 'ya, LG.
Why did this just show up on my recommendations-
Ecuadorian primary schools have this tradition of having a field trip to Galápagos when you finish your last year of school. I had the pleasure of seeing LG alive when I was a kid.. what a wonderful, incredible animal. I saw his taxidermy on Galapagos again this year. It's quite a view.
george is no longer alone, he's got the internet with him
I remember learning about him in middle school in 2011! Didn’t realize he passed away :(
I recall my mother being upset about lonesome George when he passed. Of course, I was too young to understand who he was.
I was lucky enough to see lonesome George in person before he had died. I feel blessed to have been able to do so
I remember hearing when he died. I was devastated that the species couldn't be saved. So sad.
When you're one of the last of your species but you're infertile.
Nati Whatever oh wow you’re so terribly funny
Maddie Brooke You must have a black sense of humor. That's pretty depressing.
Nati Whatever so is extension (;
Maddie Brooke ???
Nati Whatever *extinction
R.I.P George he didn't get the smash
Jawny Gash, he did, he was just shooting blanks
@@diegomedina9637 No, he was not shooting blanks. There was no correct species female left to pair him with, so they offered him what they thought was the next closest related species of female. He mated, the eggs did not hatch. Later they discovered that the females offered to him were not the genetically closest and so were less likely to ever have been viable in the first place. Hybridising animals often/usually does not work. Even if they had been able to get eggs to hatch, they would still only have been hybrids and would not have been able to properly continue the Pinta Island tortoise species anyway. They would have been a curiosity, and no mates would have been available for them either. George was absolutely the last of his kind.
I shall main Bowser in Smash Ultimate in George's name.
Ironic since Bowser is pretty lonesome too.
@@EC2019 pretty sure that they will have taken his genetic profile and they have the ability to reintroduce said code into a viable host embryo. Whether its worth it is another story entirely,on a whole different sorts of levels.
@@Mr.Foxhat Both of them are lonesome, especially Bowser, he can’t get any because of a plumber who jumps on mushrooms
There is a zoo in Salisbury Maryland that is actually the smallest accredited zoo in the nation. A lot of people don't even know about it. When I was growing up as a kid back in the 80s and even into the 90's they had about three or four giant tortoises. So fortunately I got to see these creatures up close which is quite amazing.
Rest In Peace Lonesome George, gone but never forgotten. My deepest condolences to the friends and family.
he was so cute😭😭😭😭😭
omg I thought it was like alcohol preserved!!! not a statue!!
It was really nice of you guys to bring in that specialist scientist and teach him about tortoises. Nice to see you guys answering his questions!
Thank You George For Preventing The Galapagos Extinction
I watch the documentary about the George on NG years ago. Today I hear about his last day.
"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it" - master oogway
I was so sad when he died. Watching this broke my heart all over again. We love you George
-There are no accidents
Lonesome George
*wait*
Pov youtube recommended this 6 yrs later
And now I'm crying :( I didn't know he passed away.
the museum of natural history (New York) made my childhood so memorable!!! Thank you guys so much!!!
Happy travels George.
Yo he dead where is he going?
He was so cute.
I really thought this was a realistic turtle cake till I read the title
When I saw the title, I thought they were going to take his DNA and inject it into a tortoise egg.
So happy for George Dante, the taxidermist who preserved George. Was just a local guy who would do fish and deer for regulars to now doing museum work only all around the work. Sad that this beast passed leading to the species full extinction, but at least he will “be around for ever now.”
Oh so George was inspiration for that futurama episode called “naturama.”
I want that job. It must be great to see your work in a museum, connecting generations to come with animals they'd get a chance to see.
I wish that job too, but it must to be so sad...
He is surely remembered.
My heart breaks whenever I hear that a species have gone extinct. 💔 But wow, Lonesome George looked great how he was preserved! Great job!!!
And one them said
"yesterday is history,
Tomorrow is mystery,
And today is gift...
That's Y they called it present"
~OOGWAY
RIP Master Oogway
They can clone him and try again
If it were that easy they probably would have done that when he was alive 😞
Yeah they cloned ghat sheep years ago but they cant clone the animals that are going extinct?
@@geminisabah i think it depends on having another animal to birth it, if there are no more tortoises like him so none to carry the clone
Egg
@@geminisabah that clone sheep was infertile however. She couldn’t produce offspring, so it wouldn’t have made a difference.
The fact that this was recommended to me after 6 yrs i kinda felt lik he was saying listen human's i might be gone but there are others that are still suffering please learn for us ....
But guess some humans never learn
Poor boy. At least he was loved and taken care of.
Just wait, you'll see his ghost in the halls.
I was so sad when he died
Taxidermists deserve more credit for what they do.
Poor buddy
We'll miss you george.
Thank you for preserving this beautiful animal
1:40 *GEORGE* preserves Lonesome *GEORGE*
YES
THE WORLD DIDNT DESERVE YOU KING 😭😭😭😭
Amazing work Mr Dante
awesome ,beautiful and sad ! thank you for this work
rip jorge, a real human bean
MY BOY A BD ON FUCKIN LAMRON AND THEM lol “human bean”
HUMAN BEAN LMAOOOOOO
Oh hi Denny, Lisa loves you too, as a person, a human BEAN...
Yo hes a turtle. How is he a real human bean?
They are making the sculpture of master Oogway.
So lucky to have met him... so sad to relive his passing. RIP buddy
The artist did an impressive job. Amazing
R.I.P. sweet turtle :´(
I hope he makes some friends in heaven
Which heaven? Was he a muslim? Well he cant get in the christian heaven then. Hes currently burning in hell.
I got to see the preserved lonesome George in the Galapagos 2 weeks ago!! They did an amazing job
This genuinely is such a heartbreaking story. The name.. The history.. All of it is just so sad.
I thought they were drying him off after giving him a shower. 😢
Are we sure some dinosaurs like the "Long necks" weren't actually big turtles without a shell? Some turtles have soft shells and some no shells at all.
Yeah i was kind of thinking that, theres some similarities
What an amazing artist he did a fantastic job.
Rest In Peace handsome George
RIP Lonesome George
Debería estar en Ecuador 🇪🇨 nos pertenece
Nadio robo el cadaver del animal. Probablemente alguien "del Ecuador" llamo al museo de historia natural de Nueva York para que preservaran a George.
Andres Verez el video dice el govierno mando el cadaver para Ny , para didecarlo y lo regresaron a ecuadoren despues de tenerlo listo ,
Read the discription " after a limited time on view at the Museum The Lonesome George returns to Ecuador as part of that nation's patrimony"
I love you, lonesome George 🐢
So sad that George passed, but it's nice to see him being remembered like this.
Rip Joji
Arima Muhammad Kousei is this a meme lol
Danizi Joji is the Japanese version of George.. unless he's talking about filthy frank then yes xd
Why isn't anyone talking about how they put his real skin on the sculpture
that's how this kind of taxidermy works. The muscle and tissue rots away, so you preserve the skin and put it on a custom mount made to fit the animal hide.
OH well that's scary
That’s taxidermy dude. If you’ve ever been to a museum with animal displays, they’re probably taxidermy.
It is fascinating to see Art and Science working together with Lonesome George. 😃
This guy is an artist !!!
Is artificial insemination not possible?
asianboy8969 from what I heard he did take a liking to some females, but none of the eggs would hatch. So, it could be that the big guy was infertile.
"This Is His Shell, His Skin"
Me : WTFFF His skiinnnn??!!! He wass mutilatedd?? Wttffff
Very interesting. Lonesome George looks beautiful.
I relate so much to this animal. RIP George x
These people get paid a ton to talk about a dead tortoise probably
No, they’re people who had loved and took care of George after he was found in 1972 (tho understandably some of them are just there for the money.). Do you really think talking about something that you love is stupid and you have to be paid alot of money just to talk about it?
I hope they preserved some DNA samples. Cloning is an extremely viable way to recover an extinct species.
yeah but we still won’t forget George 😢
Thanks for the info
Wow they did an amazing job