The South Atlantic island of St. Helena is celebrating the birthday of the world's oldest living land animal — the Seychelles giant tortoise Jonathan, who is turning 190 years old.
The residence of the island's governor, where Jonathan has spent most of his life, will be open to visitors for three days on this occasion to celebrate the “historic milestone”.
The authorities on the island – a British Overseas Territory – have also issued a series of commemorative stamps.
On St. Helena since 1882
While there are no precise records of his birth, it is believed that Jonathan was born around 1832.
He was brought from the Seychelles to St. Helena in 1882 as a gift for Sir William Grey-Wilson, who later became governor.
According to Matt Joshua, the head of the tourism office on St. Helena, Jonathan could even be as old as 200 years.
According to Guinness World Records, Jonathan is also the oldest chelonian of all time, a category that includes all tortoises, terrapins and turtles.
The previously oldest chelonian was Tu’i Malila, a radiated tortoise that lived to be at least 188 years old. Tu’i Malila was given to the royal family of Tonga around 1777 by British explorer Captain James Cook and died in 1965.
Life as the world's oldest tortoise
On St. Helena, Jonathan is something of a celebrity. The elderly animal lives together with three other giant tortoises – David, Emma and Fred.
Although Jonathan is blind and has lost his sense of smell due to his advanced age, he has excellent hearing. According to Guinness World Records, he responds very well to the sound of his veterinarian's voice.
Although some of his senses are now fading, Jonathan still has plenty of energy according to Guinness World Records, though it depends on the weather.
«On mild days, he sunbathes, stretching his long neck and legs completely out of his shell to absorb the warmth and transfer it to his body's core», says Hollins.
«In colder weather, he prefers to burrow into leaves or grass clippings and stay there all day.»
Hollins added: «Despite his age, Jonathan still has a good libido and is frequently observed mating with Emma and sometimes Fred – animals are often not particularly gender-sensitive!»
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