If we told you that the oldest living land animal was a tortoise named Jonathan, would you believe it? Not only is it true, but this incredibly ancient reptile just celebrated its 190th birthday.
Jonathan was born in the early 1800s, almost two centuries ago, so it actually makes him the oldest tortoise ever recorded, as well as the oldest land animal that’s still alive.
For the past 140 years, Jonathan has lived on the distant island of St. Helena, which can be found in the South Atlantic Ocean, which happens to be a 6-hour flight west from Johannesburg in South Africa.
When he arrived on the island, Jonathan’s shell was measured, which prompted them to identify him as a 50 year old reptile at the time. But in actuality, he could even be older than that. His caretaker, Joe Hollins, who also happens to be the resident veterinarian, has been taking care of Jonathan since he arrived on St. Helena’s. And despite his retirement, he still takes care of him until now.
Joe shared, “When you think, if he was hatched in 1832—the Georgian era—my goodness, the changes in the world. The World Wars, the rise and fall of the British Empire, the many governors, kings, and queens that have passed, it’s quite extraordinary. And he’s just been here, enjoying himself.”
He added, “I do think he’s fabulous, actually. He’s a great animal. And as a vet, what greater privilege is there than to be looking after the oldest known living land animal in the world? I mean, how often does that happen—to be able to care for this magnificent animal?”
Jonathan’s age and arrival on the island has basically made him a much loved and the most permanent resident on the island. In fact, the locals even threw him a three-day birthday party, providing him with his favorite treats – veggies he can munch on all throughout his celebration.
The island also put a range of posters on display in the Plantation House on December 2 in order to celebrate his life, showing all the photos and messages from people that have visited the gentle giant tortoise throughout the years.
Moreover, there were a series of activities that also honored Jonathan’s birthday, such as a giant veggie feast that was streamed live from the Plantation House on the St. Helena Tourism’s Facebook page all over the world.
And in conclusion of this special reptile’s birthday, on the third day of Jonathan’s celebration, it was celebrated at an open-air market at the Plantation House, which showed an animated video and song about Jonathan’s long life.
In the end, he was even given his ‘birthday cake,’ which was made completely out of his favorite and healthy foods. They even issued a special stamp that will be put on sale to commemorate this special day.
See more in the video below.
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