Meet Jonathon, the World’s Oldest Living Tortoise Who Has Just Turned 190 Years Old
Tortoises tend to live a long life, but did you ever think they could outlive you?
In fact, scientific studies have revealed that chelonians (a category of reptiles which include tortoises), have an average life span of around 100 years; although wild tortoises, can live over 150 years old!
And considering how old this tortoise is turning, a sheet cake three times of a normal one might do the trick.
So without further ado Meet Jonathon, the world’s oldest living tortoise recognized by the Guinness World Record Book!
Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise is officially turning 190 years old this year, and not only is Jonathon turning the big 1-9-0, but he’s also the oldest living animal known on Earth!
While no one knows Jonathon’s exact birth, records can confirm that Jonathan was born around 1832 and is originally from the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean before being brought over to St. Helena Island.
Records have also confirmed that when he arrived at St. Helena during 1882, Jonathon was ‘fully mature’ at the time, which means the tortoise was at least 50 years old!
His name comes from Sir Spencer Davis, who was the governor of St. Helena in the 1930s.
Although sadly five years ago, old age has taken its toll on the oldest living animal which has caused his eyesight and sense of smell to completely vanish.
A phone call was later made to Dr. Joe Hollins, a local vet to assess his health and put him onto a healthier diet, and despite his other age-related issues, Jonathan remains healthy otherwise.
Not to mention his hearing skills are still in good shape!
Now if only we can find a cake to fit 190 candles!