Oldest Living Land Animal Celebrates 191st Birthday
A Seychelles giant tortoise named Jonathan has just celebrated his 191 trips around the sun. He took the title of oldest living land animal after the passing away of Tu’i Malila, a 188 year old female radiated tortoise, in 2021.
By Richard Cole · December 2, 2023
The world’s oldest living land animal, a Seychelles giant tortoise, just celebrated an astonishing 191 years on Earth. Born around 1832, Jonathan’s age is a conservative estimate, likely making him even older than his well-documented existence suggests.
Jonathan’s remarkable journey began when he was brought from the Seychelles to the island of St Helena in 1882, making him a globe-trotting centenarian. He holds the title of the oldest turtle/chelonian in recorded history, seizing the crown in 2021 from Tu’i Malila, a radiated tortoise that lived to be at least 188.
Despite losing his sense of smell and nearly losing his sight to cataracts, Jonathan’s longevity is a testament to his robust health. His dedicated vet, Joe Hollins, attests that this gentle giant, residing at Plantation House on St Helena for 141 years, is “showing no sign of slowing down.”
Jonathan’s life has been a slow and steady stroll through history, witnessing significant milestones like the UK’s Mines Act in 1842, Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species in 1859, and the USA’s abolition of slavery in 1865. His stoic existence has bridged the reigns of eight British monarchs, 40 US presidents, and 26 Manchester United managers.
In a typical day, Jonathan enjoys a relaxed routine, basking in the sun or seeking shade as the weather dictates. His companions, David, Emma, and Frederik, add camaraderie to his long life, with Frederik’s gender identity causing raised eyebrows when it turned out he was male despite being initially named Frederika due to Jonathan’s persistent mating attempts.
Despite the ravages of time, Jonathan still exhibits a “good libido,” attempting to mate with Emma and Fred. Joe Hollins notes that animals are often not particularly “gender-sensitive,” adding a humorous touch to the tortoise’s enduring vitality.
Jonathan’s taste buds have stood the test of time, savoring cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce hearts, apples, and seasonal fruits. His fondness for bananas, despite the “gumming up” effect, adds a quirky note to his dietary preferences.
As the world marvels at Jonathan’s longevity, last year’s celebration featured a birthday cake made from his favorite snacks. The hope is that Jonathan continues to relish good health, delectable treats, and the enduring company of his fellow tortoises, Emma and Fred, as he edges closer to the monumental two-century mark on Earth. May Jonathan’s slow and steady journey through time continue to inspire awe and admiration for generations to come.