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Jonathan, the Really Old Tortoise

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Jonathan the tortoise on a field looking ito the camera.

Jonathan is about 188 years old.

Photo: Saint Helena Tourism on Instagram

 

Jonathan is a tortoise who lives on the island of Saint Helena.

He is thought to be about 188 years old.


Black and white photo from about 1900. Field, two men in the background. Jonathan the old and large tortoise in the foreground.


This photo of Jonathan was taken 120 years ago.

 


Tortoises of his kind usually live till 150 years of age.

Jonathan is 188 years old.

He is the oldest living land animal in the world.


Jonathan cannot see much as he has cataract.

But he can hear well and eats well.

He has a good sexual life, too.

 

Jonathan lives at the Plantation House in Saint Helena.

 

Jonathan lives at the Plantation House in Saint Helena.

It is the house of the Governor of Saint Helena.

3 tortoises from the Seychelles live there too.


Jonathan the tortoise's vet is Joe Hollins.

He says, Jonathan is gentle.

He enjoys the company of people.

He loves the sounds of tennis.

 

Contemporary black and white photo of Jonathan the tortoise.

Jonathan loves the sound of tennis.

Photo: Saint Helena Tourism on Instagram

 

About 10 years ago, Jonathan’s beak had become blunt.

He could not graze properly.


His diet was changed a bit.

This helped him graze once again.

Jonathan loves to eat lettuce, cucumber, carrots, and apples.

He loves to eat anything juicy.

 

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Jonathan the tortoise likes to laze in the sun.


He stretches his long neck and legs fully out of his shell when he sunbathes.

People see this and sometimes they think he’s dead.


Jonathan takes to the shade on very hot days.

On cold winter days, he buries himself under leaves or grass clippings.

He remains there all day.

 


Jonathan is the oldest living land animal in the world.

 

Saint Helena’s people are proud of Jonathan.

His photo appears on their 5 pence coin.

 


Watch the video of the song about Jonathan.

 

More information: St Helena Tourism

*Quotes are edited to Easy to Read*


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