Happy Birthday Jonathan: The Oldest Land Mammal, Who Loves Bananas, Celebrates 191st Birthday- WATCH

Jonathan the tortoise, the oldest land mammal alive, had its 191st birthday last week, adding a year to its distinction. As per Guinness World Records (GWR), the giant tortoise of the Seychelles is thought to have originated circa 1832. The tortoise's age was determined by using the year it was transported from the Seychelles to St Helena in 1882; at that time, the tortoise was fifty years old. Social media is ablaze with adorable pictures from Jonathan's birthday celebrations. The usual life expectancy for his species is 150 years, but Jonathan has considerably exceeded it, according to GWR.

Oldest Tortoise Of The World

After assuming the title from Tu'i Malila, a radiated tortoise that lived to be at least 188 years old, in 2021, it is the oldest turtle/chelonian in recorded history. 1965 saw Tu'i Malila's passing. The veterinarian who is taking care of the enormous turtle reports that it is still healthy. "In spite of losing his sense of smell and being virtually blind from cataracts, his appetite remains keen," Joe Hollins stated to GWR. "A tiny, committed team still hands-feeds him a nutritious portion of fruit and vegetables once a week. In addition to providing more calories, this also gives him the vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that are vital for his metabolism," Mr. Hollins continued.

Jonathan: Survived 40 US Presidents

Nigel Phillips, the governor of St Helena, reportedly gave Jonathan an official birthday—December 4, 1932—in November of last year, according to The Guardian. To date, the tortoise has survived the administrations of 26 Manchester United managers, 40 US presidents, and eight British kings. "He likes the sun, although he prefers the shade on really hot days. He will sunbathe on moderate days, extending his legs and long neck outside of his shell to allow heat to enter his core. He will bury himself in grass clippings or leaf mold on chilly winter days and stay there all day", according to Hollins.

Apples, cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce hearts, and cucumbers are some of Jonathan's favorite meals. He's particularly fond of bananas.