Living in St. Helena since 1882, when it arrived as a gift to the governor of the small South Atlantic island, it is no stranger to fame, having won awards from Guinness World Records as the oldest known land animal and the oldest animal in Chelonia. – an order that includes turtles, tortoises and turtles – was ever recorded. He was also at the center of romantic intrigue: after a period of frustration, Jonathan was introduced to a partner in 1991 with whom he happily developed a close relationship. But 26 years later, the lack of offspring was explained when his partner in love – Frederica – proved, upon inspection, to be male. Jonathan is also something of a local celebrity: apart from being a famous sight he has featured on the reverse of the local fivepence coin. Jonathan is now the oldest chelonian ever recorded. Photo: PA While Jonathan has long been covered in wrinkles, he is now also blind with cataracts and has no sense of smell. Although his exact date of birth remains unknown, estimates suggest he was hatched around 1832. It was only in November of this year that he was finally given an official birthday, December 4, 1832, by Nigel Phillips, the governor of the British overseas territory. Guinness World Records noted: “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 St. Helena from the Seychelles in 1882. In all likelihood, he is even older than we think.”. His age means Jonathan was young when Queen Victoria ascended the throne and more recently witnessed the dawn of the technological age. Jonathan and his friends in St. Helena in about 1886. Photo: PA However, Jonathan did not meet St. Helena’s most notorious resident. the French general Napoleon Bonaparte arrived on the island in 1815 and died there six years later. The most important stories on the planet. Get all the week’s environmental news – the good, the bad and the must-haves Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The three-day party that will bring together residents from across the island will kick off at the governor’s home on Friday, with highlights including a turtle-friendly “birthday cake” and an animated video about his life. He’ll even enjoy nibbles and a chat with the governor and his wife Emma, while those attending the celebrations will receive a special certificate, be able to buy Jonathan-related stamps and see the winners of an art competition held for to celebrate the famous reptiles.
