This Is Jonathan, The 187-Year-Old Tortoise Photographed In 1886 And Today

It’s a known fact that humans outlive most animals. But tortoises are definitely an exception, and one of them was actually able to reach the ripe age of 187. Jonathan, a giant tortoise, is currently the oldest living terrestrial animal in the entire world, having hatched back in 1832. The tortoise currently lives in the island of Saint Helena, Seychelles, and resides with the governor at the Plantation House.

It’s interesting that there’s a photo of Jonathan taken way back in 1886, and it can be compared to his present photo, just like a modern #187yearschallenge. It’s noteworthy that the tortoise was already around 54 years old when that photo was taken.

Although Jonathan is still lively and full of energy, signs of aging have been observed by doctors, and his sense of sight and smell are slowly getting weaker. Dr. Hollins feeds Jonathan with special food with higher calories on a weekly basis, since he doesn’t eat enough grass anymore.

Humans usually outlive animals.

However, he now shows signs of aging like slowly losing his sense of sight and smell.

Jonathan is fed a special meal with high calories every week, since he can’t eat enough grass anymore.

But tortoises are definitely an exception.