Jonathan the turtle was born shortly after the death of Napoleon and today holds the distinction of being the oldest living land animal on the planet. He is believed to be turning 190 years old on the island of Saint Helena, the place where the French emperor died in exile in 1821.
Experts estimate Jonathan’s birth to have occurred around 1832 based on the size and measurements of his shell. About fifty years after his birth, he was moved from the Seychelles, where he originated, to this remote British territory in the South Atlantic.
Yet his age remains an approximation. A photograph captured when he arrived in Saint Helena in 1882 shows him to be at least fifty then, though AFP has reported he is certainly older than that.
Jonathan today enjoys a comfortable retirement at the official residence of the island’s governor. Recently his birthday was celebrated with a ceremony that included the issuance of a special seal honoring the venerable tortoise.
His likeness already appears on Saint Helena’s five-cent coins and on immigration stamps, marking his status on this island whose population totals around 4,500 residents.
The celebratory events culminated in a birthday cake fashioned from Jonathan’s favorite foods, shared with the caretakers who have looked after him for years. The critter is particularly fond of carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, apples, and pears, according to longtime caregivers who have spoken with AFP in the past.
50 year old loves tortoise
Despite his remarkable age, Jonathan has endured significant sensory decline, yet he retains good hearing and a sense of companionship. A woman in her fifties, known in the community as Emma, prefers the companionship of a female turtle named Emma who shares his space.
I hear the pair often in the grass as they interact. But supervising is essential, because turtles can end up on their backs and struggle to right themselves, a risk noted by the local governor.
Earlier this year Jonathan was honored with the Guinness World Records title as the world’s oldest living land animal. The recognition this month also included a historical note as the oldest tortoise on record.
Officials on Saint Helena had hoped Jonathan would continue to thrive for many more years, but they have begun plans to safeguard his legacy for future generations. A lasting record will be kept, preserving the story of this remarkable chelonian.
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Environment authorities will be responsible for ongoing care and documentation, ensuring that the legacy of Jonathan the tortoise remains a reference point for natural history on Saint Helena.