Jonathan – a tortoise who calls St. Helena island his home – celebrates his 190th birthday this year, making him both the oldest tortoise and the oldest land animal recorded to ever live.
The Guinness World Records afford Jonathan the title of the oldest-ever chelonian; a category designated to all turtles, terrapins, and tortoises.
Jonathan is thought to have been born circa 1832 and was gifted to Sir William Grey-Wilson – who later became governor – who relocated to St. Helena from Seychelles in 1882.
The previous holder of the oldest chelonian was Tu’i Malila, a tortoise who lived to be at least 188 years old and died in 1965.
Though Jonathan is estimated to be 190 years old, CNN reported that Jonathan could very well be much older, as there is no real record of his birth.
Due to old age, Jonathan is hand-fed, though his other senses and energy remain excellent. Jonathan shares his home with three other giant tortoises – David, Emma, and Fred.
Officials on the island are in progress with Jonathan’s birthday celebrations and are planning to issue a series of commemorative stamps. In addition, anyone who visits the celebrity tortoise this year will receive a certificate featuring the first known picture of his footprint.
Picture: Screenshot from video
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