Your George Stories
This page is dedicated to all those that have been touched by George's story including islanders, experts, tourists and you! Have you met George and have a story or any comments about him? We'd love to hear it and also see any pictures or videos that were taken. Send us an email at gct@gct.org or post on our Facebook page.
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Henry Nicholls - Galapagos Conservation Trust Ambassador
Henry Nicholls is a journalist, author and editor, specialising in evolutionary biology, conservation and the history of science. We are also lucky enough to have Henry as a GCT Ambassador and editor of our biannual newsletter Galapagos Matters. In 2006, Henry wrote 'Lonesome George: The Lifes and Loves of the World's Most Famous Tortoise' now available on Kindle (see the link on the right).
When asked about George, Henry says: "The plight of this singular animal touches all who see and hear about him, draws tourists from all over the world to the Islands and loosens banknotes from their wallets to help preserve the Archipelago. There’s no question that Lonesome George is an incredibly valuable asset; a legend in his own long lifetime; a conservation icon. It's quite amazing how Lonesome George's story continues to evolve. Several years ago, I would have said that there is no chance he'll ever reproduce. But there have been so many twists and turns since then that nothing would surprise me any more. At only 100 years old, so in the prime of his life, time is certainly on his side." |
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Washington Tapia Aguilera - Director of Conservation & Sustainable Development at the Galapagos National Park
Washington Tapia Aguilera (known locally as Wacho) was born and grew up on Santa Cruz island and has worked towards Galapagos conservation for over 20 years. He is a reptile specialist and has been an integral part of many tortoise conservation programmes in Galapagos. He and his family have recently visited the UK for a residency at Christ College Cambridge as part of the Charles Darwin and Galapagos Islands Fund - a joint venture between the Galapagos Conservation Trust and Christ's College (Charles Darwin's former college). Back when he was a volunteer with the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), he spent a lot of time with George. We asked him a few questions about his time at George's corral...
GCT: How long have you known George for?
Wacho: I have known George since I was a kid - probably about 25 years now.
GCT: What was your favourite thing about looking after George?
W: The most interesting aspect of my work with George was spending time with him one to one - I fed him and cared for him personally for several years back when I was a volunteer with CDF.
GCT: How would you describe George's personality?
W: George is generally a shy and unsociable tortoise. However, when he knows someone and they gain his confidence he is very friendly.
GCT: What does a general week working at the tortoise corral involve?
W: A week with George generally included: feeding him 3 times a week, cleaning his pen and providing fresh water. At least 2 hours a day were spent on continuous observation of his behaviour.
GCT: Does your work with tortoises still involve George?
W: I have now been able to develop several experiments to try to get George to reproduce and to save his species. I was also involved in repatriating tortoises to Pinta, George's island.
GCT: How long have you known George for?
Wacho: I have known George since I was a kid - probably about 25 years now.
GCT: What was your favourite thing about looking after George?
W: The most interesting aspect of my work with George was spending time with him one to one - I fed him and cared for him personally for several years back when I was a volunteer with CDF.
GCT: How would you describe George's personality?
W: George is generally a shy and unsociable tortoise. However, when he knows someone and they gain his confidence he is very friendly.
GCT: What does a general week working at the tortoise corral involve?
W: A week with George generally included: feeding him 3 times a week, cleaning his pen and providing fresh water. At least 2 hours a day were spent on continuous observation of his behaviour.
GCT: Does your work with tortoises still involve George?
W: I have now been able to develop several experiments to try to get George to reproduce and to save his species. I was also involved in repatriating tortoises to Pinta, George's island.
Johanna Angermeyer - Artist and author
Johanna Angermeyer is an artist and author whose father settled in Galapagos in 1935. She is best known for her book 'My Father's Island: A Galapagos Quest' but also has written and illustrated two brilliant children's books about Galapagos, 'Is your Mama an Iguana' and 'How the Booby got its Feet'.
When asked about George, she says "I remember the day that George arrived in Puerto Ayora having just been discovered and brought back to Santa Cruz by our neighbour, Castro. It took quite a few hands to unload him from the dinghy and George looked quite dazed by the fuss!"
When asked about George, she says "I remember the day that George arrived in Puerto Ayora having just been discovered and brought back to Santa Cruz by our neighbour, Castro. It took quite a few hands to unload him from the dinghy and George looked quite dazed by the fuss!"
Evelyn Greene
In 2006, the Living Galapagos project involving a group of journalists from the University of North Carolina began. Evelyn Greene got to know George and Fausto during her time there...
"The Living Galapagos project was an amazing experience. Every year, people from all over the world choose this location as a getaway. They come to enjoy the sun, the sand, the water and most importantly, the unique wildlife of the Galapagos. The Living Galapagos team and I were blessed with the opportunity of enjoying the beauty of the islands and the privilege of experiencing the remarkable relationship the people of the Galapagos have with their environment.
I was lucky enough to follow Lonesome George and Fausto Llerena through their daily routines at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center on Santa Cruz. One of the quieter moments amidst my many interviews showed me how thoroughly the tortoise is lodged in the hearts of these people. One afternoon after a day at the Breeding Center, I was invited into Sr. Llerena's home and I was able to see some of his beautiful wood carvings. Those same hands that fed the baby tortoises, that chopped away at the underbrush giving those giants room to escape the sun, that took careful notes and kept detailed charts, those hands also created miniature works of art honoring the creatures he handled every day. Back at the Center, standing in the pen watching Lonesome George and Fausto size each other up during their daily check in, I realized that this relationship is a microcosm for the economy and culture of the Galapagos.
Those living and working on these Islands rely on the wildlife that surrounds them as a source of income. Many own gift shops, restaurants and tour companies to keep up with the constant stream of tourists. Others work directly with the national parks working hard to protect and learn more about endangered species like Lonesome George that draw so many people to the Islands. The images of tortoises, blue footed boobies and other animals that populate the Islands permeate logos, company names and signs up and down the streets of the Galapagos. Man has come to rely on nature just as nature needs man to continue to survive."
Watch the video Evelyn produced 'The Lonesome One' here.
"The Living Galapagos project was an amazing experience. Every year, people from all over the world choose this location as a getaway. They come to enjoy the sun, the sand, the water and most importantly, the unique wildlife of the Galapagos. The Living Galapagos team and I were blessed with the opportunity of enjoying the beauty of the islands and the privilege of experiencing the remarkable relationship the people of the Galapagos have with their environment.
I was lucky enough to follow Lonesome George and Fausto Llerena through their daily routines at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center on Santa Cruz. One of the quieter moments amidst my many interviews showed me how thoroughly the tortoise is lodged in the hearts of these people. One afternoon after a day at the Breeding Center, I was invited into Sr. Llerena's home and I was able to see some of his beautiful wood carvings. Those same hands that fed the baby tortoises, that chopped away at the underbrush giving those giants room to escape the sun, that took careful notes and kept detailed charts, those hands also created miniature works of art honoring the creatures he handled every day. Back at the Center, standing in the pen watching Lonesome George and Fausto size each other up during their daily check in, I realized that this relationship is a microcosm for the economy and culture of the Galapagos.
Those living and working on these Islands rely on the wildlife that surrounds them as a source of income. Many own gift shops, restaurants and tour companies to keep up with the constant stream of tourists. Others work directly with the national parks working hard to protect and learn more about endangered species like Lonesome George that draw so many people to the Islands. The images of tortoises, blue footed boobies and other animals that populate the Islands permeate logos, company names and signs up and down the streets of the Galapagos. Man has come to rely on nature just as nature needs man to continue to survive."
Watch the video Evelyn produced 'The Lonesome One' here.
Jacintha van Beveren - Volunteer at the Charles Darwin Foundation 2009 - 2010
"Here is a smiley George that I photographed in March 2009 just after the Visit of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles to the CDF Station. At that time there was hope George would produce offspring, because one of his female Isabela companions had built a nest with the possibility of fertile eggs. At that time, we at the Station were all very happy, including George. He was smiling the mysterious smile of a future father. Whether the visit of Prince Charles and Camilla influenced and encouraged him we will never know. But it is a nice thought, don’t you think?"
