Jonathan (tortoise)

Jonathan (tortoise)

Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise, a subspecies of the Aldabra. His age is estimated because he was ‘fully mature’ when brought to Saint Helena in 1882. ‘Fully mature’ means at least 50 years old, giving him a hatching date no later than 1832.

About Jonathan (tortoise) in brief

Summary Jonathan (tortoise)Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise, a subspecies of the Aldabra. He is the oldest known living terrestrial animal in the world. His age is estimated because he was ‘fully mature’ when brought to Saint Helena in 1882. ‘Fully mature’ means at least 50 years old, giving him a hatching date no later than 1832.

The all-time verified record holder for the world’s oldest tortoise is Tu’i Malila, which died in Tonga in 1965 at the age of 189.