Jonathan (tortoise) facts for kids
Jonathan in April 2021
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| Species | Seychelles giant tortoise |
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| Sex | Male |
| Hatched | c. 1832 (age 192–193) Seychelles, British Mauritius |
| Residence | Saint Helena |
| Mate(s) | Frederik (1991–present) |
| Weight | 100–150 kg (200–350 lb) |
Jonathan is a very old Seychelles giant tortoise. He was born around 1832, which makes him about 193 years old today. This makes him the oldest known living land animal in the entire world! Jonathan lives on a small island called Saint Helena. This island is a British territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean.
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Jonathan's Amazing Story
Jonathan came to Saint Helena in 1882. He traveled all the way from the Seychelles islands, which are in the Indian Ocean. When he arrived, he was already about 50 years old. Three other tortoises came with him.
Jonathan got his name in the 1930s from Governor of Saint Helena Sir Spencer Davis. He has seen many governors come and go on the island. In fact, he has lived through the terms of 31 different governors! Jonathan still lives on the beautiful grounds of Plantation House. This is where the governor of Saint Helena lives. The government of Saint Helena takes good care of him.
How We Know Jonathan's Age
It's hard to know Jonathan's exact birthday. But we can guess his age because he was "fully grown" when he arrived in Saint Helena in 1882. Being "fully grown" means he was at least 50 years old. So, he must have been born no later than 1832.
There's an old photograph that shows Jonathan. People first thought it was from 1902, but it's actually from 1886. This picture shows that Jonathan was already a full-grown tortoise just four years after he arrived on the island.
In 2022, Jonathan's estimated age became older than another famous tortoise named Tu'i Malila. She was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest recorded tortoise. Tu'i Malila passed away in 1966 when she was 189 years old. There was also a tortoise named Adwaita who lived in India. Some people believe Adwaita lived to be 255 years old, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Jonathan's Life Today
In 2015, the island's veterinarian, Joe Hollins, said that Jonathan was doing well. He mentioned that Jonathan is blind because of cataracts, which are cloudy spots in his eyes. He has also lost his sense of smell. This means he can't find his food easily. But Jonathan can still hear very well!
In 2016, Jonathan started a new special diet. This diet helps him stay healthy and live even longer. Because he is so old, Jonathan spends most of his days with his friend, Frederik. Frederik is another male tortoise who joined Jonathan in 1991. They spend their time together, eating, and sleeping.
Celebrations and Royal Visitors
In February 2022, people on the island celebrated Jonathan's supposed 190th birthday. They even made special stamps to remember the occasion. Visitors to the island could get a certificate with a picture of Jonathan's first known footprint.
On December 4, 2022, the people of Saint Helena held a three-day birthday party for Jonathan. They even made him a special cake from his favorite foods!
In January 2024, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, visited Saint Helena and met Jonathan. Jonathan has met other members of the royal family before. He met Prince Edward's mother, Elizabeth II, and his grandfather, George VI, back in 1947. Prince Philip also visited Jonathan in 1957.
See also
In Spanish: Jonathan (tortuga) para niños
- Harriet (tortoise)
