🐢 Living History: Jonathan the Tortoise

On the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean, there resides a true celebrity. His name is Jonathan, and he is a Seychelles giant tortoise. While many animals are famous for their speed or strength, Jonathan is celebrated for his incredible longevity.

Jonathan is believed to have hatched around 1832. This date was calculated based on a photograph taken shortly after his arrival on the island in 1882, where he appeared fully grown. This makes him the oldest documented land animal in history. He has lived through two World Wars, the invention of the telephone, and the rise of the internet.

Today, Jonathan lives on the grounds of Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor. Despite his advanced age, he still enjoys a good quality of life. However, his senses have declined; he is blind due to cataracts and has lost his sense of smell. To maintain his health, a dedicated veterinarian feeds him by hand once a week to ensure he gets enough calories.

Jonathan is an iconic figure in St. Helena, even appearing on the local currency. His status as a national treasure means he receives the best possible care as he slowly wanders the gardens, a living piece of history.