life
Share icon

Share

World’s loneliest snail, Lonely George, has died — leaving his species extinct

Published 12:36 9 Jan 2019 GMT

Carl Kinsella
World’s loneliest snail, Lonely George, has died — leaving his species extinct

Homelife

Pour one out for Lonely George.

Lonely George, the world's loneliest snail, has died at the age of 14. A Hawaiian land snail, George was the last of his kind, meaning that his species is now officially extinct. George was given the name in honour of Lonesome George, the Pinta Island tortoise and star of a David Attenborough segment who was also the last of his kind. Scientists had endeavoured for over a decade to find a mate for Lonely George in order to keep his species alive, but were unsuccessful. Nature magazine National Geographic confirmed that poor George shuffled off his mortal coil on New Year's Day. Rest in peace George, we hope you have an easier time finding a girlfriend in snail heaven.

Explore more on these topics:

World's loneliest snail, Lonely George, has died — leaving his species extinct