A big thank you to all who have been getting involved with our Love George Appeal - we are hoping that your kind words and donations will be making George feel a little less lonely. The competition to send George your messages will be open until the end of February so keep 'em coming and give an old tortoise some love! See the great messages we have had so far here for a quality Valentine's laugh!
Meanwhile, over in Galapagos, we were lucky enough to get hold of George's keeper, Fausto Llerena at the Charles Darwin Research Station. We asked him a few questions about life with George:
GCT: Hola Sr. Llerena! How long have you known George for?
FL: I've known Lonesome George for many years - since I was part of the expedition that brought him from Pinta island in 1972. From 1983, I started caring for him at the Tortoise Raising Center of the National Park, till now.
GCT: What's your favourite thing about looking after George?
FL: I like to take care of George because he is friendlier than the other tortoises. He is always attentive at my arrival and approaches me and lifts his head to greet me. We understand each other very well, although we do not use any words.
GCT: How would you describe George's personality?
FL: Friendly and attentive with me, he is jealous of his space and food though, with the other tortoises that share the corral! Every time we carry out some work in the corral, he is always next to me.
Aww - enough to melt any heart! Please check back in at the Love George site for some special Valentine's Day additions and help us to celebrate Lonesome George, the greatest known conservation (and now Valentine's) icon in the world. Your donation will help us to continue to support the projects for Galapagos Giant Tortoise conservation as well as protecting the future of other critically endangered Galapagos animals.
Give instantly by texting LOVE39 £X (X = your donation amount between £1 and £10) to 70070. For other ways to support our appeal click here. Thank you for your support and love for George and Galapagos!
