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From a 194-Year-Old Tortoise to a Centurion: Jonathan Sends Birthday Greetings to Sir David Attenborough who turns 100 today

As Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 100th birthday today (08 May), one of the world’s oldest living creatures is sending warm wishes from the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena. Jonathan, the beloved Giant Tortoise who lives on St Helena, is believed to be 194 years old, making him the oldest known living land animal on Earth.


To mark Sir David’s milestone birthday, St Helena Tourism is sharing a special photograph of Jonathan alongside a birthday card signed by island representatives, including the Chief Minister. An official card is also being prepared and will be delivered to Sir David in the UK next week. 

Congratulations Sir David, on your 100th birthday. Thank you for a lifetime spent championing the natural world and helping so many to see its wonder. I must say, though, that at 194 years old, I’m still comfortably in the lead, but you’re doing remarkably well. With great respect, Jonathan the tortoise.. Oldest living land animal, St Helena, South Atlantic Ocean.
Congratulations Sir David, on your 100th birthday. Thank you for a lifetime spent championing the natural world and helping so many to see its wonder. I must say, though, that at 194 years old, I’m still comfortably in the lead, but you’re doing remarkably well. With great respect, Jonathan the tortoise.. Oldest living land animal, St Helena, South Atlantic Ocean.

Born in the early 1830s, Jonathan arrived on St Helena in 1882 and has spent his long and gentle life in the grounds of Plantation House, home to the island’s Governors. Over nearly two centuries, he has quietly watched the world change around him, living through two world wars and seeing the arrival of cars, telephones, television, the internet and even the island’s first airport.


He has also seen more than 30 Governors come and go, though thankfully, life in the paddock alongside his younger tortoise companions remains much the same.

While Sir David Attenborough has spent his life helping the world fall in love with nature, Jonathan has become a much-loved symbol of the natural world’s resilience, wonder and extraordinary longevity.


Jono Passaportis, Head of Tourism for St Helena Government: “Jonathan has lived through almost two centuries of history and continues to charm everyone who meets him. As Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 100th birthday, it felt only right that a great natural world icon should send greetings to another. It’s a lovely moment for St Helena to be part of.”


Tiny, remote and rich in natural beauty, St Helena is one of the world’s most extraordinary islands, and Jonathan remains its most famous resident.


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