Jonathan is the oldest known living land animal in the world, he is 192 years old and lives on the small island of St.
Helena in the Atlantic.
Along with three other almost fifty-year-old tortoises, a giant tortoise was brought to the island in 1882 from the Seychelles.
Its age can be estimated from the fact that it was “fully mature” when it was transferred to St. Helena in 1882. At least 50 years old, it is considered “fully mature”, meaning it must have hatched no later than 1832.
This suggests that Jonathan was at least 182 years old when the picture below was taken.
The historic event took place on Saturday 19 March 2016 at the Plantation House grounds on St Helena Island. Dr. Joe Hollins, the vet, washed Jonathan for the first time ever.
Joe clarified that after cleaning and reviving the shell of one of the turtles at the Plantation House, he decided to bathe Jonathan.
Turtle Specialist Joe asked for help and suggested using non-abrasive tools and gentle scrubbing in a circular motion as the best cleaning technique.
What happened to the oldest land mammal on Earth, which is currently the cleanest from that time?
Jonathan was put on a new diet to keep him healthy and prolong his life, the BBC reports. Jonathan is too old to participate in almost any activity without his partner.
In 2017, the gender of Frederika, one of his beloved turtles he believed to be female (the other is Emily) and his girlfriend since 1991, was questioned. His plastron had a malformation that prevented gender verification, as noted by island veterinarian Catherine Man. Jonathan stood firmly behind Frederika as she underwent this examination after finding out she was male and was given the new name Frederik.
Jonathan stayed close to both Frederik and the vet throughout the ordeal.
Jonathan, the world’s oldest known living land animal, continues to defy time on the island of St Helena. After an impressive 192 years, his journey from the Seychelles to Saint Helena represents a remarkable chapter in the history of animal conservation and longevity.
His care was a collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of veterinary expertise and attention to the needs of aging animals.
Since his historic bath in 2016, Jonathan has benefited from a new, tailored diet to improve his health and longevity. This specialized diet reflects an evolving understanding of animal care, particularly for geriatric turtles, which require special attention to their nutritional needs. His well-being is a testament to the dedication of those who care for him and ensures that he remains a vibrant part of the St Helena community.
The surprise reveal of Frederia’s gender adds another layer to Jonathan’s story. This incident underscores the complexity of animal biology and reinforces the bond he shares with his companions. Jonathan’s persistence in supporting Frederik during this time shows his gentle nature and the social bonds that can exist between turtles.
As Jonathan continues to thrive, he serves as an enduring symbol of resilience and longevity, reminding us of the rich lives animals lead and the importance of respecting and caring for them. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to value and protect wildlife and ensure that such remarkable creatures are preserved for years to come.