Preserving Lonesome George (2015)

As the last survivor of his species, Lonesome George became a worldwide icon of conservation decades before he died from natural causes in the Galapagos in 2012. When the Pinta Island tortoise arrived at the American Museum of Natural History in early 2013 to be preserved, Museum scientists and a master taxidermist faced a number of critical decisions. The specimen had to be both scientifically accurate and beautiful, true not just to the Pinta Island species but to the beloved individual, Lonesome George. With no contemporary giant tortoise taxidermy to reference and no margin for error, this was a once-in-a-lifetime challenge. As the process unfolded, Lonesome George's preparators developed an emotional connection to the animal. They also felt a deep responsibility to Lonesome George's former caretakers, to the people of Ecuador, and to future generations who might be inspired by Lonesome George's story and message of biodiversity under threat.