One achievement in particular stands out: the restoration of the Española Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis hoodensis) in the Galápagos Islands.

This Critically Endangered species went from just 15 individuals in the 1960s to the current number of several thousand. And we have one special individual to thank for his contribution to this amazing comeback — Diego, the father of hundreds of tortoises!

Diego, a giant Galápagos tortoise over 100 years old, is credited with saving his species with his impressive libido.

50 years ago, Diego was brought home to the Galápagos Islands from the San Diego Zoo to participate in a breeding program to rehabilitate his species. At the time, only 15 wild Galápagos tortoises remained.

Diego gained fame for his exceptional libido, fathering an estimated 900 babies and helping the species rebuild its numbers to around 3000.

After a legendary career in species rehabilitation, Diego retired and returned to his home island of Española after more than 100 years.

Source: Galápagos Conservancy

https://www.galapagos.org/newsroom/an-update-on-diego/