No matter how you feel about zoos and animals in captivity, it’s safe to say that it’s good to know that a species that was once almost extinct has been saved.

Back in the 1960s, Diego, a tortoise from the Galapagos Islands, was living at the San Diego Zoo. At the time, his species was very close to extinction. There were thought to be only 12 females and 2 males living in their native home, Espanola Island, which is part of the Galapagos Islands.

Diego, along with 14 other adult tortoises, was sent to Santa Cruz Island, which is also part of the Galapagos Islands. These 15 tortoises participated in a breeding program while living in captivity. Their children were then returned to their native island.

About 60 years have passed, and Diego has fathered 800 children. Let that sink in for a minute.

Due to his very promiscuous life, Diego has become known as “Diego the sexy tortoise.”

Also due to his very promiscuous life, Diego is credited with playing a huge part in saving his species.

Now, it’s finally time for Diego to retire, kind of. He’s going to get to return home to his native Espanola Island, but we’re sure the ladies there will waste no time helping this heartthrob continue to increase the numbers of their species.

When you’ve got it you’ve got it, and Diego’s got it.

Watch the video below to see what a sexy tortoise looks like for yourself, all 175 pounds of him. For a 100-year-old tortoise, we think he looks enviably young.

Did you know that the giant tortoise population was so close to extinction back in the 1960s? Does it surprise you that one tortoise has fathered so many children?