Thursday 3 January 2013

Introducing Jonathan

We began the New Year with a very humbling visit. We went to see an extremely aged gentleman and his companions.

They live somewhere very grand. Looks nice doesn't it?


This is Plantation House, otherwise known as the Governor's residence. The Governor is definitely not the most important person who lives there though, and he's not called Jonathan.



This is Jonathan.


He is at least 180 years old. It is thought that he was brought to St Helena as a gift from the Seychelles when he was already mature (over 50) in 1882. That makes him one of the oldest known animals in the world.


He really is quite large!


He has five companions: David, Mary, Myrtle, Fredericka and Speedy. It is impossible for a novice to tell them apart and we could only find four.





But they were extremely cool!

xx

6 comments:

  1. Oh WOW!!! I had two tortoises, both rescues when I was little, I totally love them. How amazing, goodness i bet jonathan could tell a tale or two :-) x
    happy new year to you
    Sophie xx

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  2. Wow, just imagine the things he must have seen!

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  3. Incredible age, isn't he? Yes, if only he could talk! What interesting people you and the Smalls are meeting in your new home, and how great that you have this record to look back on in years to come. A very Happy New Year to you and your family. Lx

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  4. when we visited in 1979 they just called him the governor and we were a bit confused.

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