Born in 1832, Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa) has been designated an official birthday of December 4th. He holds the title as the oldest tortoise and living mammal known on Earth. Born during Andrew Jackson’s presidency and William IV’s reign in England, Jonathan has witnessed significant historical events such as the introduction of the first horse-drawn street car in New York City. Despite the challenges faced by his species due to poaching and habitat destruction, Jonathan’s resilience has been remarkable.
Seychelles giant tortoises, a subspecies of the Aldabra giant tortoise, once thrived on islands in the Indian Ocean and Madagascar. Today, most of them reside on the largely untouched atoll of Aldabra in the Seychelles, with over 150,000 individuals. These gentle giants can weigh up to 550 pounds for males and 350 pounds for females.
Jonathan’s origins remain somewhat mysterious, but at around 50 years old, he was brought to St. Helena, a British Overseas Territory where he has resided since 1882. Living in the governor’s gardens at Plantation House, Jonathan has outlived over 30 governors. Despite his age, he remains active and maintains a healthy appetite, although he requires hand-feeding due to impaired senses.
As of 2023, at the remarkable age of 193, Jonathan continues to thrive alongside three younger tortoises – David, Fred, and Emma. Despite his age-related challenges, Jonathan still displays a robust libido and actively engages in mating behaviors. His caretakers ensure he receives the necessary care to live out his days in comfort and health.
Particularly gender-sensitive.” What Does Jonathan Eat? The tortoises on St. Helena Island are free to graze on grass each day. They are also given supplemental fruit and vegetables and get their water from a trough in the lawn. Jonathan used to wander the gardens and graze on grass, but these days, he only eats by hand. To keep him healthy with proper nutrition, Jonathanâs handlers feed him carrots, lettuce, cabbage, bananas, and guavas. How Old Do Seychelles Giant Tortoises Normally Get? The typical life expectancy for a giant tortoise is 150 years old. Jonathan has long surpassed that. However, heâs not the oldest known giant tortoise that ever lived. Adwaita the Aldabra Giant Tortoise living in India is thought to have lived to be 255 years old. How Has Jonathanâs Care Been Handled Over the Years? Throughout Jonathanâs life, history has continued moving ever forward. Kings and queens have died, presidents have come and gone, countries have merged and formed, and great wars have been fought. How can humans with our short lifespans and rapid change give Jonathan continuous care through nearly 200 years? Jonathan the tortoise has lived through nearly two centuries of human history. Unknown photogrPublic domain / Wikimedia Commons â Original One thing that hasnât changed much throughout the years has been Jonathanâs life. Although the human caretakers come and go, Jonathan has lived in the governorâs residence since 1882. Today, the governor of St. Helena lives in the same historic Plantation House where Sir William Grey-Wilson, Jonathanâs first owner, lived. The people on the island adore Jonathan and he also receives visits from eager tourists. Through the years, although his keepers have changed hands, records have been kept and through it all, Jonathan has grazed, mated, munched veggies, spent time with his tortoise friends, and lived the good life of a giant tortoise. The post This Animal is Older Than Morse Code and Still Going Strong appeared first on A-Z Animals.
