The world has gone through so many changes since 1832.

From the invention of incandescent light bulbs, through multiple wars and the birth of flight, one creature has managed to live through that all.

And he’s now celebrating his 191st birthday, give or take a few years.

Jonathan the tortoise recently celebrated that milestone with Joe Hollins, a vet who cares for Jonathan and three other land tortoises that live on St. Helena Island, a British territory in the Atlantic Ocean.

His exact age is just a ‘conservative’ guess.

He could actually be older,” Hollins said.

Last year, St. Helena’s governor, Nigel Phillips, gave Jonathan the unofficial birthday of Dec. 4, 1832, but Hollins still celebrates on New Year’s Day.

“It’s not his birthday, but celebrating his year of age, whatever that may be,” Hollins said.

Jonathan is on the left in this historical photo taken on St. Helena Island, circa 1882 to 1886. Photo provided by Joe Hollins

On his big day, Hollins said Jonathan roams very very slowly and seeks out fresh clover. His activity then requires the nearly two-century old tortoise to need his late afternoon nap. But that doesn’t stop the influx of visitors and well-wishers to see the ancient birthday boy.

Hollins said the affable Jonathan still has plenty of love for life at his age.

He likes to spend his time with the other two tortoises, Frederica and Emma, Hollins said.

Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise, which is considered one of the largest and most endangered tortoises on Earth, according to Global Vision International, a conservationist group that works to bring awareness about the tortoises.

The Seychelles has an average 150-year life expectancy, which Jonathan has surpassed by 41 years.

With the exception of Greenland sharks, which can live up to 250 years, “it astounds me to think there is no living creature on the surface of this planet that was in existence before him,” Hollins said.

Hollins said that when he first arrived on the island 14 years ago, Jonathan was not doing so well. He was suffering from cataracts, and crumbly beak and his hide had thinned out.

But after a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as grass and hay, Jonathan’s health improved. While he is blind and has lost his sense of smell, he is healthy and uses his impressive hearing to navigate the island.

Joe Hollins with Jonathan on St. Helena Island in 2022. Photo by Kevin Gepford

“I love this extraordinary animal to bits,” Hollins said about Jonathan.

It is the greatest of privileges to look after him.”

He smiles at the possibility that his tortoise friend may outlive him.

“Whatever happens, I think we can be satisfied that we’ve done our best for him,” he said. “But I hope to be around to celebrate his 200th.

Watch this amazingly old tortoise enjoy his birthday!

Sources: Washington Post | IFL Science