St Helena, one of the world’s remotest islands, has announced that its national treasure, Jonathan the Tortoise will be celebrating his 190th birthday from 2nd to 4th December 2022.
Jonathan the Tortoise is the oldest known living land animal on earth, and also the oldest chelonian ever recorded.
Born in the early 1800s, Jonathan the Seychelles Giant Tortoise has lived on St Helena since 1882.
Situated in the midst of the South Atlantic Ocean, the British Overseas Territory is one of the world’s remotest islands.
Jonathan has spent his island life on the grounds of Plantation House, alongside a handful of other, younger tortoises: David, Emma and Fred.
He has lived through two world wars, watched more than 35 Governors come and go and lived through the introduction of radios, telephones, TVs, the internet, cars and an airport.
Joe Hollins, a retired vet who cared for and still cares for Jonathan, said:
“When you think, if he was hatched in 1832 – the Georgian era – my goodness, the changes in the world!
“The world wars, the rise and fall of the British Empire, the many governors, kings and queens that have passed, it’s quite extraordinary. And he’s just been here, enjoying himself.
“I do think he’s fabulous actually, he’s a great animal. And as a vet, what greater privilege is there than to be looking after the oldest known living land animal in the world?
“It is such a privilege to be able to care for this magnificent animal.”
Jonathan’s age is an estimation; shell measurements documented on the back of a photograph taken shortly after his arrival to St Helena in 1882 show he was fully mature (at least 50 years old). It is likely that he is even older.
Celebrations will begin on Friday 2nd December. A range of posters celebrating Jonathan’s life and messages from those who have visited him will be put on display at the Plantation House grounds.
Exclusive certificates signed by the Governor bearing an image of Jonathan’s footprint will be available for visitors throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, a series of activities will be held in honour of Jonathan’s birthday, including a feeding of his favourite veggies.
On Sunday, there will be an open-air market at Plantation House with the premier of an animated video and song dedicated to celebrating Jonathan’s life.
Jonathan will be given his ‘birthday cake’, crafted entirely out of his favourite healthy foods.
A special stamp issue will also be on sale, and guests can stand a chance to win 190th birthday memorabilia by participating in tortoise-themed games.
The activities will be live-streamed from Plantation House on St Helena Tourism’s Facebook page, – https://en-gb.facebook.com/visit.sthelena/ .
For more information, please visit www.sthelenatourism.com or Jonathan the Tortoise.
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