It’s not every day that someone celebrates their 190th birthday. In fact, last weekend, Jean-Baptiste, the oldest turtle in history and the oldest living mammal in the world, celebrated his 190th century with great fanfare. On the island in the South Atlantic, where Jonathan has lived since 1882, turtles are the subject of world-renowned celebrations throughout the year.
Jonathan’s exact date of birth is not known, but they have set December 4 as his birthday and have planned a three-day celebration over the weekend.
Jonathan, who lives at Governor’s House on the island, is St. Helena’s most famous resident and biggest celebrity. His face is featured on postage stamps and fivepence coins. Jonathan is an icon here,” says Tini Lucy, president of the local SPCA. He was an old gentleman who had seen many things. He landed in Saint Helena in 1882 and is now a grown man.
The plantation house on the island of Saint Helena has a 150-200 year old giant tortoise, Jonathan. And earlier this year, Jonathan was named the oldest turtle ever. At a press conference held on January 12, Jonathan was recognized by Guinness as the “oldest Kelonian”, which includes all turtles, tortoises and sea turtles. He replaced the previous record holder, Thuy Malila, who lived for at least 188 years until her death in 1965.
Lucy added: “As the world’s oldest land animal, it has almost royal status here.” If his entourage moved slowly, he was dignified and had a great affinity with the community. We all love him very much.”
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Jonathan was at least 190, but he could have been older. His age when he arrived on Saint Helena from the Seychelles in 1882 is described as “fully mature”, meaning he was at least 50 years old. Thus, 1832 at the latest would be the year of his birth.
In 1832, the year of Jonathan’s birth, Andrew Jackson was President of the United States of America and Queen Victoria was Monarch of the United Kingdom. If turtles could talk, Jonathan would have many stories to tell.
Although nearly two centuries old, Jonathan remains in relatively good condition. He is blind and has no sense of smell, but has a human-like appetite (and libido).
