The world’s oldest living land animal, Jonathan,marked his 191st birthday on St. Helena Island, though his true age remains a mystery.
The Seychelles giant tortoise, named Jonathan, arrived on the island in 1882 at an estimated age of at least 50.
Guinness World Records acknowledges him as the world’s oldest living land animal and the longest-lived turtle/chelonian in documented history.
While the Seychelles giant tortoise typically has an average lifespan of around 150 years, Jonathan’s longevity surpasses expectations. Despite losing his sense of smell and nearly going blind from cataracts, his robust appetite endures.
“In spite of losing his sense of smell and being virtually blind from cataracts, his appetite remains keen,” veterinarian Joe Hollins told GWR. “He is still being hand-fed once a week with a fortifying helping of fruit and vegetables by a small, dedicated team. This not only supplements his calories but provides those essential drivers of his metabolism: vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.”
Veterinarian Joe Hollins shared, “He is still being hand-fed once a week with a fortifying helping of fruit and vegetables by a small, dedicated team.
This not only supplements his calories but provides those essential drivers of his metabolism: vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.”
Jonathan has resided at Plantation House, the official residence of St. Helena’s governor, for an impressive 141 years, embodying a living testament to the island’s rich history.