- Jonathan, the Seychelles gigantic tortoise, was named by Smithsonian Magazine.
- Jonathan celebrated his 190th birthday at the St. Helena governor’s mansion.
- Although Jonathan’s age is supposed to be 191, there are rumors that he may be far older.
The world’s oldest living land mammal, thought to be 191 years old, broke the record for being “the oldest chelonian—a tortoise, turtle, or terrapin—ever documented” in December when it celebrated his birthday.
Jonathan, the Seychelles gigantic tortoise, was named by Smithsonian Magazine and is said to be older than the state of Utah. His estimated birth year is approximately 1832.
Jonathan
Jonathan is a tortoise who has survived 40 US presidents and 31 governors of the tiny Atlantic island of St. Helena. Jonathan celebrated his 190th birthday at the St. Helena governor’s mansion.
Jonathan is the only land creature that is older than any other, including humans. Joe Hollins, his longtime veterinarian, said it’s amazing that this gentle giant has outlived all other land animals.
Jonathan’s hunger is still strong even though he is nearly blind from cataracts and has lost his sense of smell. A tiny but devoted staff hands-feeds him a nutritious portion of fruit and vegetables once a week.
Although Jonathan’s age is supposed to be 191, there are rumors that he may be far older. According to Hollins, Jonathan is in good health and, if he hasn’t already, he hopes to reach his third century.
