Pinta is the
northernmost of the main Galapagos group, some 28 miles (45
kilometers) northwest of Marchena (Wolf and Darwin are much
further north). It is
the ninth largest of the islands with an area of 23 square
miles (60 square kilometers), reaching 2,550 feet (777 meters) above sea level.
Pinta is relatively
rugged and is famous as the original home of Lonesome George, the last
remaining survivor of the island's race of tortoises. Due
to whaling ships and buccaneers, the tortoise populations was
virtually destroyed leaving only one Pinta tortoise in this
world. Lonesome George was
discovered in 19xx and was removed to the Charles Darwin
Research Station on Santa Cruz where scientists hoped to find him a mate
for years, but it seems that George is
destined to live life as a bachelor. When he goes, so does his
race. Now we are more conscientious about the environment, but
due to a careless past, another animal will become extinct. We
can now visit Lonely George at the Charles Darwin Research
station on Santa Cruz island.
Pinta is named after
one of Columbus' ships whereas the English name was in honor of
Earl Abingdon.
