Hearing about the end of a species always makes me feel a bit down. I know that death is a part of life. I know we can't fit absolutely everything on earth forever. But I guess part of me just wishes Lonesome George didn't have to go out alone.

George was believed to be the last living member of the Pinta island subspecies of giant tortoises. The island is off Ecuador's coast. He lived at a tortoise breeding center on the archipelago's island of Santa Cruz. They didn't know how old he was but scientist thought he was about 100. Apparently, this isn't very old because giant tortoises can live well over a century. He was found in 1972 and had been provided various mates.

Maybe George just knew his time would be cut short and he didn't want to break the heart of any female tortoise by dying before her. Maybe he just wanted to spend the rest of his days enjoying the coast and free tortoise smorgasbord. We'll never really know, but I like to think George was a nice guy and he lived a good life. R.I.P. Forever Bachelor George.

Source: AP