Johnathan the Tortoise, the Oldest Animal in the World, Turns 191!

In Saint Helena, nestled in the South Atlantic Ocean, resides a true marvel of nature – Jonathan the giant tortoise. This extraordinary creature, believed to have been born in 1832, recently celebrated his 191st birthday, making him not only the world’s oldest living land animal but also the oldest chelonian ever recorded.

Jonathan’s life story is a fascinating journey through time, having witnessed the invention of the telephone, the postal stamp, and the rise and fall of empires. Born before the US Civil War and during the reign of Queen Victoria, this giant tortoise has endured the test of time, living through two world wars and the entire lifespan of the Soviet Union.

The Seychelles giant tortoise has been a resident of Saint Helena since 1882 and has become a national treasure, even gracing the reverse side of the local five-pence coin. Despite his impressive age, Jonathan remains in good health, and there are optimistic expectations that he may reach two hundred years old.

Jonathan’s age is estimated based on the fact that he was already fully mature, at least 50 years old, when he arrived on the island. His current veterinarian, Joe Hollins, expressed confidence in Jonathan’s longevity, stating, “Jonathan is in good health, and all indications at present make us hopeful that he will reach his third century – if indeed he hasn’t done so already!”

Beyond his impressive age, Jonathan‘s life has been a testament to his resilience and adaptability. After experiencing loneliness in the 1980s, he found companionship with a mate named Frederica in 1991. However, a surprising revelation occurred 26 years later – Frederica was male. Despite this revelation, Jonathan’s romantic escapades have not stopped, with his vet noting that he still possesses a “good libido.”

Now blind and without a sense of smell, Jonathan roams freely on the grounds of the Governor’s house. Even at his advanced age, he continues to enjoy a weekly diet of hand-fed fruits and vegetables, ensuring he receives the essential nutrients for his well-being.

Animals Are My Favorite People by Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content:

• Bobi, the World’s Oldest Dog Passes Away at 31
• World’s Oldest Recorded Tortoise Celebrates 190th Birthday With Three-Day Party
• Meet Flossie: The World’s Oldest Living Cat at Nearly 27 Years Old
• Shelter’s Oldest Cat, the Sweet Nine-Year-Old Lovebug is Finally Adopted!
• Rescued Chihuahua is the World’s Oldest Dog at 21 Years Old

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!