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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Nicola Davis

World’s oldest recorded tortoise prepares for 190th birthday party

Jonathan in the grounds of Plantation House, home of the governor of Saint Helena.
Jonathan in the grounds of Plantation House, home of the governor of Saint Helena. Photograph: PA

If there is a party animal at large this weekend, Jonathan is it: the Seychelles giant tortoise is about to celebrate his 190th birthday with a three-day bash.

Living on Saint Helena since 1882, when he arrived as a gift to the governor of the small south Atlantic island, he is no stranger to fame, having scooped awards from the Guinness World Records for being the oldest known living land animal and the oldest chelonian – an order comprising tortoises, turtles and terrapins – ever recorded.

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