The island's governor's residence, where Jonathan is residing, is open for three days to welcome visitors who want to visit the "old turtle". Officials on the island also issued a series of commemorative stamps on this occasion.
Although there are no real documents about the date of birth of the "turtle", it is estimated that Jonathan was born around 1832. It was given to St. Helena, a British overseas territory in 1882 as a gift to Sir William Grey- Wilson - who later became governor.
But Jonathan could actually be in his 200s, according Matt Joshua, who looks after tourism in St. Helena. According to Guinness World Record, Jonathan is also the oldest Chelonian (including shrimp turtles) species ever. Previously, the oldest Chelonian was Tu'i Malila, who lived for at least 188 years. Donated to the Tonga royal family by British explorer Captain James Cook around 1777, Tu'i Malila died in 1965.
At St. Helena, Jonathan is considered a star and lives with 3 other old turtles: David, Emma and Fred.
Although age has left Jonathan blind and unnoticed, his hearing is fine. It responds well to the voice of a veterinarian.
Jonathan's personal doctor, Joe Hollins, said: "On day of mild weather, it will sunbathe - the long neck and long legs are completely extended out of the shell to absorb heat and transfer heat to the core." When the weather is colder, it likes to menture in leaves or grass and stay there all day.
