Jonathan has spent almost two centuries on the planet, reaching the age of 190 in 2022. The tortoise was given the title of the oldest living animal on land by Guinness World Records (GWR).
According to GWR, previously, the oldest che-lonian was Tu’i Malila, a tortoise that lived for about 188 years. The St Helena Government said shared that he was now blind.
“His hearing though is excellent and he loves the company of humans and responds well to his vet Joe Hollins’ voice as he associates him with a feast” it added.
Jonathan has “come through the winter well”, as per an update from the St Helena Government. “He grazes well now, but is unaware of food if we simply place it on the ground.”
“The Veterinary Section is still feeding him by hand once a week to boost his calories, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, as he is blind and has no sense of smell.”
“His hearing though is excellent and he loves the company of humans, and responds well to his vet Joe Hollins’ voice as he associates him with a feast.”
The previous oldest chelonian was Tu’i Malila, a radiated tortoise that lived to be at least 188. Pre-sented to the royal family of Tonga by Captain Cook c.1777, Tu’i Malila remained in their care until its death in 1965.
Jonathan’s age is an estimation based on the fact that he was fully mature, and hence at least 50 years old, when he arrived in St Helena from the Sey-chelles in 1882. In all likelihood, he is even older than we think.
His estimated age was further supported when an old photograph taken between 1882 and 1886 was uncovered. It showed a fully-grown Jonathan grazing on some grass in the garden of Plantation House – the residence of the Governor of St Helena, where Jonathan has spent most of his life.
Since Jonathan was gifted to Sir William Grey-Wilson all those years ago, 31 more governors have come and gone. Jonathan is still plodding around the same grounds today, where he enjoys the company of three other giant tortoises: David, Emma and Fred.—Agencies
