Born circa 1832 – five years prior to the coronation of Queen Victoria – Jonathan the tortoise is due to turn 189 years old in 2021. That makes him the oldest-known land animal alive today.
In his lifetime, Jonathan has lived through two world wars, the Russian Revolution, seven monarchs on the British throne and 39 US presidents.
His estimated year of birth also predates the release of the Penny Black, the first postage stamp (1840), the building of the first skyscraper (1885) and the completion of the Eiffel Tower (1887) – the tallest iron structure.
Other human milestones to have taken place in his long life include the first photograph of a person (1838), the first incandescent light bulb (1878) and the first powered flight (1903).
Although originating from the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, Jonathan has resided on the remote island of St Helena in the South Atlantic since 1882.
Considering his great age – he is already well beyond his kind’s 150-year average lifespan – Jonathan is in surprisingly good health. He hasn’t escaped completely unscathed, though.
The world's oldest tortoise is virtually blind due to cataracts and seems to have lost all sense of smell, but retains excellent hearing and a healthy appetite. According to his vet (see interview below), he still has "a good libido" too, which is an indicator of sound internal health.
Does Jonathan have a mate?: In spite of his age, Jonathan still has good libido and is seen frequently to mate with Emma and sometimes Fred – animals are often not particularly gender-sensitive! St Helena vet Joe Hollins – one of Jonathan’s primary carers –
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In his lifetime, Jonathan has lived through two world wars, the Russian Revolution, seven monarchs on the British throne and 39 US presidents.
His estimated year of birth also predates the release of the Penny Black, the first postage stamp (1840), the building of the first skyscraper (1885) and the completion of the Eiffel Tower (1887) – the tallest iron structure.
Other human milestones to have taken place in his long life include the first photograph of a person (1838), the first incandescent light bulb (1878) and the first powered flight (1903).
Although originating from the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, Jonathan has resided on the remote island of St Helena in the South Atlantic since 1882.
Considering his great age – he is already well beyond his kind’s 150-year average lifespan – Jonathan is in surprisingly good health. He hasn’t escaped completely unscathed, though.
Source
VIDEO
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