1. Lonesome George The story of Lonesome George and the need for conservation

2. CONSERVATION Before we find out about Lonesome George, let’s think about the meaning of the word CONSERVATION.

3. With a learning partner, scribe your own definition of ‘Conservation’ Let’s share your ideas! “Life is short, talk with a tree” by Frits AhlefeldtFrits Ahlefeldt

4. “Life is short, talk with a tree” by Frits AhlefeldtFrits Ahlefeldt Conservation is the protection of things found in nature. It requires the sensible use of all Earth's natural resources: water, soil, minerals, wildlife, and forests. People who care about conservation try to preserve natural resources so they will still be around in the future. They also try to keep the environment clean and healthy. http://kids.britannica.com/elementary/article-352993/conservation

5. Who was Lonesome George?

6. With your learning partner write down the reasons and events that led to the tortoises populations declining (decreasing in number).

7. Now watch this video clip with Sir David Attenborough whilst he was filming in the Galapagos. If you have any extra ideas, jot them down as you watch it.

9. Let’s get talking!

10. As a class, let’s discuss the following questions from the clips we have seen: How do you feel about the pirates and buccaneers taking the tortoises for food on their ships? Why do you think all the tortoises, except Lonesome George, were taken from Pinta? Do you agree with the scientists’ decision to take Lonesome George back to the research station on the island of Santa Cruz? Why did they do it? Why is he so important?

11. Sadly, on the 24 th June, 2012, Lonesome George died. His death made international news…… On 24 June 2012, at 8:00 am local time, Edwin Naula, Director of the Galápagos National Park, announced that Lonesome George had been found dead by his caretaker of 40 years, Fausto Llerena. Naula suspects that the cause of death was heart failure consistent with the end of the natural life cycle of a tortoise. Lonesome George - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonesome_George From America….. Australia….. To France….. And the world wide web…..

12. Why do you think his death made International news?

13. But there is hope! Studies by scientists on the island of Isabela have recently discovered that there are tortoises with Pinta ancestry. This means that there is a possibility that purebred Pinta tortoises may still be roaming the Galapagos today!

14. How did they get there? It is thought that pirates and whalers may have moved them between islands. If there are tortoises and they are found, a breeding programme will begin. I wonder what Lonesome George would think? Did he know he was an inspiration to conservationists worldwide?

15. Where is he now? Lonesome George is currently on display at the American Museum of Natural History. He has been preserved for future generations to learn about the plight of the Galapagos giant tortoises and their message and hope for the future as a symbol of conservation.

16. The last part of Lonesome George’s journey

17. Design and write your own storyboard telling the story of Lonesome George. Use the notes you made earlier to help you. If you have access to the internet you can find out even more to help with your story. Tortoise Tales… Who knows what Tortoise Tales may be told in the future…