Jonathan the tortoise, who lives on the British-controlled island of St. Helena, is reportedly the oldest living land creature in the world.
According to The Telegraph:
At the age of 183, this tortoise is thought to be the world's oldest living land creature. Born in 1832 at the latest, he has plodded through two world wars and numerous revolutions, outlasting all his human companions. He was even photographed, looking rather elderly, with a prisoner during the Boer War, which ended in 1902.
Jonathan, who was already 50-years-old, was first brought to the island in 1882 from the Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean.
Since then, he has lived on the grounds of the island's Planation House where he is fed a weekly bucket of salad by his current keeper, Jonathan Hollins.
Though Jonathan has held up surprisingly well over the years, he is nearly blind and relies heavily on his sense of hearing.
However, if the worst happens, the residents of St. Helena have a plan. According to BBC:
Though giant tortoises like Jonathan can live up to 250 years, the community has already drafted a detailed plan for when he finally pops his shell – dubbed "Operation Go Slow."
When Jonathan passes away, his shell will go on display and a life-sized bronze statue will honor him. However, for now, Jonathan isn't showing signs of slowing down.
You can see more of Jonathan in the video below.
(h/t The Telegraph, BBC)
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