Lonesome George, the Last of His Kind, Strikes His Final Pose [Slideshow]
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Lonesome George: Lonesome George was the last-documented member of Chelonoidis abingdoni, a species that is native to Pinta Island in the Galapagos. He was thought to be more than 100 years old when he died in 2012... Credit: Charles Darwin Foundation/Allison Llerena
Lonesome George wrapped up: On the dawn of his departure, Lonesome George was taken out of the freezer that he spent nine months in following his death. Credit: James Gibbs
Lonesome George put into his box: Lonesome George was carefully packed into his custom made hardwood box in preparation for a 28-hour journey via ferry and airplane from the Galapagos to New York. Credit: James Gibbs
Lonesome George on the ferry: Lonesome George, frozen inside of his hardwood box, was shipped via ferry to the airport for his trip to New York. Credit: Charles Darwin Foundation/Allison Llerena
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Lonesome George with kid on the ferry: Children would question what was in the large box. After finding out that Lonesome George was inside, many would cry and touch the box like it was a coffin. One boy rode on top of the box... Credit: Charles Darwin Foundation/Allison Llerena
Galapagos to NYC: After Lonesome George’s death in June 2012, scientists from the American Museum of Natural History, the Galapagos National Park Service, the SUNY College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry, and the Galapagos Conservancy worked together to pack and ship his body to the United States for preservation. ... Credit: James Gibbs
Galapagos to NYC (cont'd): Credit: AMNH/D. Finnin
Unpacking: Conservation and taxidermy experts unpack Lonesome George upon his arrival from the Galapagos at the American Museum of Natural History in July 2012. Credit: AMNH/D. Finnin
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Unpacking (cont'd): Conservation and taxidermy experts unpack Lonesome George upon his arrival from the Galapagos at the American Museum of Natural History in July 2012. Credit: AMNH/D. Finnin
Measuring: At Wildlife Preservations in Woodland Park, NJ, taxidermy experts measure Lonesome George shortly after his arrival. Credit: AMNH/D. Finnin
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