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 famous Aldabra giant tortoise. He is believed to be the oldest living land animal in the world! He was born around 1832, which makes him over 190 years old. Jonathan lives on the island of Saint Helena. This island is a British territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Jonathan's Amazing History
Jonathan was born around 1832. He came to Saint Helena from the Seychelles islands in 1882. He was already about 50 years old when he arrived. Three other tortoises came with him.
In the 1930s, Governor of Saint Helena Sir Spencer Davis gave him his name. Jonathan has lived through the time of 31 different governors! He still lives at Plantation House. This is the official home of the governor. The government of Saint Helena takes good care of him.
His exact birthday was not known for a long time. But in November 2022, the governor gave him an official birthday. It is now celebrated on December 4th.
How We Know Jonathan's Age
Scientists estimate Jonathan's age. They know he was "fully mature" when he arrived in Saint Helena in 1882. "Fully mature" for a tortoise means at least 50 years old. This means he must have hatched no later than 1832.
A very old photo shows Jonathan with another tortoise. People first thought this photo was from 1902. But it was actually taken in 1886. This picture shows that Jonathan was already fully grown in 1886.
In 2022, Jonathan's age passed that of another famous tortoise. This was Tu'i Malila, who lived to be 189 years old. She was recognized by Guinness World Records. Another tortoise named Adwaita might have lived even longer. Adwaita was an Aldabra giant tortoise. He died in India in 2006. Some believe he lived to be 255 years old, but this is not fully proven.
Jonathan's Life Since 2015
In December 2015, the vet on Saint Helena, Joe Hollins, shared an update. He said Jonathan was "alive and well." Jonathan is blind because of cataracts. He also cannot smell his food very well. His tortoise friends sometimes eat his food before he can find it! But he can still hear very well.
In January 2016, the BBC reported on Jonathan's new diet. This special diet helps him stay healthy and live longer. Because he is so old, Jonathan spends his days with his companion. They eat, sleep, and spend time together.
Jonathan has a companion tortoise named Frederik. For a while, people thought Frederik was female. But in 2017, a vet checked Frederik. She found that Frederik's shell had a special shape. This made it hard to tell its sex. It is now known that Frederik is male. When Frederik was being checked, Jonathan stayed right by his side.
To celebrate Jonathan's 190th birthday in February 2022, special things happened. Island officials made a series of special stamps. Visitors could also get a certificate. It had a picture of Jonathan's first known footprint!
On December 4, 2022, local people held a big party. It lasted for three days! They gave Jonathan a special cake. It was made only from his favorite foods.
In January 2024, Jonathan met Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. The Prince visited Saint Helena. Jonathan has met other famous people too. He met Prince Edward's mother, Elizabeth II, and grandfather, George VI, in 1947. Prince Philip also visited Jonathan in 1957.
See also
In Spanish: Jonathan (tortuga) para niños
- Harriet (tortoise)
