Endling: The Last of a Species

I chanced across this fantastic (and brief) New York Times article, entitled What Do You Call the Last of a Species?

It’s a quick read, and I’m awed at how absolutely fitting and apt the term “endling” is, and how much sadness it conveys.

The article also lists the names of specific animals, who were the last of their kind: Martha, the last passenger pigeon. Celia, the last Pyrenean ibex. Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise.

Endlings, every one of them.

My favorite line from the article: “We don’t name the things we choose to ignore.”

[via @RobGMacfarlane]

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