Jonathan The Tortoise: A Testament to Time

Jonathan the tortoise, who recently celebrated his 191st birthday. Nearly two centuries of history! He’s the Forrest Gump of the reptile world!

Born in 1832, during the presidency of Andrew Jackson and the explorations of Charles Darwin, Jonathan has witnessed the reigns of 40 U.S. presidents and eight British monarchs​​.

From Seychelles to St. Helena: A Diplomatic Gift

Originally from the Seychelles, Jonathan was brought to St. Helena in 1882 as a gift. Initially believed to be an Aldabra giant tortoise, recent studies suggest he is a rare Seychelles giant tortoise, a species with a life expectancy of about 150 years​​.

Jonathan's presence on St. Helena has made him a beloved figure. His image even graces the island's five-pence coin. Over the years, he has seen 31 governors of St. Helena come and go, becoming a symbol of continuity and resilience​​.

In 1991, Jonathan's life took a romantic turn with the arrival of Frederika, a tortoise gifted by the French consul. They began an intimate relationship, which revealed a surprising twist in 2017: Frederika was likely male, explaining the absence of offspring​​.

Living the Tortoise Life

Despite his age, Jonathan shows no signs of slowing down. He spends his days sunbathing, enjoying meals of lettuce, bananas, and cucumbers, and maintaining a healthy social life with his fellow tortoises, Emma and Frederik​​.

Jonathan's advanced age is evident in his blindness and loss of smell. Yet, he continues to engage actively with his environment, responding to familiar voices and maintaining a keen appetite. Guinness World Records recognizes him as the oldest chelonian and the oldest known living land animal​​.

Throughout his life, Jonathan has witnessed monumental historical events, from the first photograph of a person to the Moon landing. Unconcerned with these milestones, he remains focused on the simple joys of life, embodying a tranquil existence amid the ever-changing world​​.

Jonathan the tortoise's extraordinary life reminds us of the beauty of longevity and the serene perspective it can bring to our fast-paced world.