Jonathan the tortoise, world’s oldest land animal, celebrates his 190th birthday

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3-12-2022, 23:57

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INA – SOURCES

The South Atlantic island of St. Helena is celebrating the birthday of the world’s oldest living land animal – a Seychelles giant tortoise called Jonathan, who is turning 190.

The island governor’s house, where Jonathan has spent most of his life, is marking the occasion by opening up for three days to visitors wishing to celebrate the “historic milestone.”

Officials on the island – a British overseas territory – have also made a series of commemorative stamps.

He was brought to St. Helena from the Seychelles in 1882 as a gift to Sir William Grey-Wilson – who later became governor.

But Jonathan could actually be as old as 200, according to Matt Joshua, head of tourism on St. Helena.