At 192 years old, Jonathan, who resides on the tiny Atlantic island of St. Helena, is the oldest known living terrestrial animal in the world.
The Seychelles giant tortoise was brought to the island from the Seychelles in 1882, along with three other tortoises at about 50 years of age.
His age is estimated based on the fact that he was ‘fully mature’ when brought to St. Helena in 1882. ‘Fully mature’ means at least 50 years old, giving him a hatching date no later than 1832. So this means that when the photo below was taken, Jonathan was at least 182 years of age.
On Saturday 19 March 2016, an historic event took place in the grounds of Plantation House, St Helena Island. Jonathan was washed for the first time in recorded history by vet Dr Joe Hollins.
Joe explained that he decided to give Jonathan a bath after he had cleaned and revitalized the shell of one of the female tortoises at Plantation House.
To determine the appropriate cleaning method, Joe sought advice from an expert in tortoises, who recommended using non-abrasive materials and gently scrubbing in circular motions.
So what happened with the now cleanest oldest terrestrial animal on earth since then? According to the BBC, Jonathan has received a fresh dietary regimen aimed at maintaining his health and prolonging his life. Because of his advanced age, Jonathan engages in nearly all activities alongside his companion.
Frederica, one of his cherished tortoises presumed to be female (the other being Emily), and his companion since 1991, had its gender questioned in 2017. Island veterinarian Catherine Man pointed out a deformity in its plastron that made gender verification impossible. Frederica, now known to be male and renamed Frederik, underwent this examination with Jonathan steadfastly by its side. Throughout the entire process, Jonathan remained close to Frederik and the veterinarian.
