The preserved specimen of the world's last Pinta Island giant tortoise is now on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Popularly known as "Lonesome George," this turtle died on June 24, 2012. His death meant his subspecies, Geochelone nigra abingdoni, became extinct. In fact, before his discovery in 1971 on Pinta Island, his species was previously thought to have been extinct.

Like Us on Facebook

George lived in the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador before he died. He will be in New York City for viewing until January 4, National Geographic reported.

The park preserved George's specimen in honor of his iconic status, which symbolizes "the loss of an individual and an entire species," said Eleanor Sterling, the museum's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation's chief conservation scientist.

For two years, taxidermist and Wildlife Preservations worked with other experts to re-create George as he looked when alive.

They used soil samples to determine his skin and shell colorations. They also added the green plant stains on his mouth. His height was exactly 5 foot (1.5 meters) while his posture was based on selected photos.

They also added his missing toenail on his left foot.

Experts hope that George's mount will inspire people to take part in protecting endangered species.

George was brought to the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador where scientists tried to set him up with female tortoises bearing a close genetic makeup. He had an aversion to females, however, earning him his nickname,"George."

Even if he sometimes mated with any of the females, the eggs were infertile.

Galapagos originally had 15 subspecies and thousands of giant tortoises. Their decline began in the 1800s when pirates hunted them for food and oil. After that, they lost their habitat to cattle.

Now, only 10 subspecies remain on the island. Most are very rare.

Giant tortoises are among the animals that live over 100 years. The oldest recorded lived for 152 years.

TagsLonesome George, George, American Museum of Natural History, Galapagos, Galapagos National Park, tortoise