Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal , has earned another Guinness World Records title!

Jonathan, who celebrates his 190th birthday this year, is now the oldest tortoise in history.

Its official title is that of the oldest turtle , a category that encompasses all aquatic turtles and tortoises.

Jonathan, the tortoise photographed in December 2021 Jonathan “has gotten through the winter well,” according to an update from the St. Helena government. “He is now grazing well, but he doesn’t notice food if we just leave it on the ground.”

“The Veterinary Department still feeds him manually once a week to increase his calories, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, since he is blind and has no sense of smell.”

“However, his hearing is excellent and he loves the company of humans, and responds well to the voice of his veterinarian Joe Hollins when he associates it with a feast.”

The previous oldest chelonian was Tu’i Malila, a radiated tortoise that lived to be at least 188 years old. Presented to the Tongan royal family by Captain Cook around 1777, Tu’i Malila remained in his care until her death in 1965.

Jonathan is believed to have been born c. 1832, so he will be 190 years old in 2022.

Jonathan’s age is an estimate based on the fact that he was fully mature and therefore at least 50 years old when he arrived in Saint Helena from the Seychelles in 1882. In all likelihood, he is even older than we think.

Jonathan (left) c.1882-86, in the grounds of Plantation House, St Helena His estimated age was further supported when an old photograph taken between 1882 and 1886 was discovered. It showed an adult Jonathan grazing on the grass in the garden of Plantation House, the residence of the Governor of St Helena, where Jonathan spent most of his life.

Since Jonathan was gifted to Sir William Grey-Wilson all those years ago, 31 more governors have come and gone. Jonathan still trudges around the same grounds today, where he enjoys the company of three other giant tortoises: David, Emma and Fred.

“He’s a local icon, a symbol of perseverance in the face of change,” – Joe Hollins, Jonathan’s veterinarian.

Jonathan has experienced some important human milestones, such as:

• 1838 – the first photograph of a person was taken

• 1876 – the first telephone call was made

• 1878 – the first incandescent light bulb was invented

• 1887: The Eiffel Tower, the tallest iron structure in the world, is completed.

• 1903: The first powered flight took to the skies, piloted by the Wright brothers (both from the USA).

• 1969 – Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin (both USA) became the first people to walk on the Moon.

Jonathan with his veterinarian, Joe Hollins As the world around him evolved and moved forward, Jonathan remained the same. To this day, his main interests are sleeping, eating and mating.

According to vet Joe, Jonathan “likes the sun, but on very hot days he seeks shade. On mild days he basks – his long neck and legs stretch completely out of his shell to absorb heat and transfer it to his core.”

When it’s cold, the world’s oldest tortoise prefers to “rummage in leaf mold or grass clippings and stay there all day.”

Even though some of his senses are now failing him, such as sight and smell, Jonathan still seems to have plenty of energy left!

“Despite his age, Jonathan still has a good libido and is frequently seen mating with Emma and sometimes Fred. Animals are often not particularly gender sensitive!” Joe revealed.

Jonathan’s favorite foods include cabbage, cucumber, carrot, apple, and other seasonal fruits.

“He loves bananas, but they tend to make his mouth gummy. Lettuce hearts, although not very nutritious, are a favorite.”