Highlight:
- Jonathan is believed to have been born in 1832.
- Jonathan’s main meal is cabbage, cucumber, carrot, apple, banana, spinach hearts and other seasonal fruits.
- Jonathan’s companions are three other turtles named David, Emma, and Fred.
The Guinness World Record for the oldest tortoise in history was recently set by Jonathan Turtle, a resident of St. Helena Island in the British Overseas Territory. Jonathan is the oldest living species in the Chelonian family of tortoises and terrapins. According to the Guinness Book of World Records website, Jonathan is believed to have been born in 1832. If so, this year Jonathan turns 190 years old.
“When Jonathan arrived in St. Helena from the Seychelles in 1882, he was a full-grown tortoise, so his age is estimated to be at least 50 years old,” according to Guinness World Records.
“He now feeds well, but the veterinary department still feeds him by hand once a week to increase his calories, vitamins, minerals and elements,” the St. Helena government explained. Jonathan’s main meal is cabbage, cucumber, carrot, apple, banana, spinach hearts and other seasonal fruits. Jonathan spent most of his life at the governor’s residence in St. Helena. Jonathan’s companions are three other turtles named David, Emma, and Fred.
Tui Malila was the oldest Chelonian to live to be 188 years old. The tortoise was gifted to the Tongan royal family by Captain Cook in 1777 and remained in their care until his death in 1965.
.