Meet Diego, the tortoise who has fathered more than 800 offsprings. His descendants are approximately 40 percent of the 2,000 tortoises repatriated to the Galpagos island of Española. Diego is about 130 years old and finally retiring after saving his species from extinction.
According to the San Diego Zoo, the tortoise was brought to the United States some 90 years ago. After it was declared a critically endangered species in the 1960s, it was then placed under the care of Charles Darwin Research Station for protection.
Diego devoted 30 years at the San Diego Zoo's breeding program and also made a brief trip to Ecuador in 1977. The breeding program involved 15 tortoises which had 12 female and 3 male tortoises.
credit: third party image reference
According to the Galapagos Conservancy's latest census, the tortoise population of island has significantly shot up to 2,000 in 30 years. Also, 40 percent of the current population of tortoises are strongly believed to be descents of Diego. It is an unbelievable feat and the scientists are crediting Diego for saving his species from extinction. 
credit: third party image reference
After busy 30 years of non stop action, dear Diego is finally retiring from active duty. The scientists have concluded that the current population of tortoises are sufficient enough to sustain in the ecosystem.
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