NATURE
The oldest animal in the world turns 190 years old
His name is Jonathan, known as the Seychelles giant tortoise that was delivered to the island of Saint Helena in 1882. It has become the oldest known living land animal.
In what feels more like a biblical age, the longest living animal in the world has reached 190 years old. It lives in the islands of the Seychelles and has become the oldest known living land animal. His name is Jonathan, he is a tortoise, and he came to live on the island of Saint Helena, where Napoleon Bonaparte died.
Arriving on the island in 1882, as a gift to the governor of the small island in the South Atlantic, Jonathan the tortoise is also something of a local celebrity. As well as being a famous tourist attraction, he has been featured on the back of the local fivepence coin.
Who is Jonathan, the oldest living land animal?
The tortoise holds Guinness World Records for being the oldest living land animal and the oldest Testudines (formerly known as chelonians), a category that includes turtles, terrapins and tortoises. According to his certificate, despite not knowing the exact date, he has been given his official birthday as December 4, 1832.
“Jonathan’s age is an estimate based on the fact that he was fully mature, and therefore at least 50 years old, when he arrived in Saint Helena from the Seychelles in 1882,” the experts affirmed.
The nearly two-century-old tortoise is blind and has no sense of smell. He is slow moving and requires regular veterinary care. For a while his shell was full of warts, but eventually they disappeared.
Whether it’s bumps on the back, tugs of the ear, or rubs of the shell, it’s going to take a long time for any remaining family members and friends to complete the traditional greeting. Happy birthday, Jonathan! Here’s to many more.