Rescued sea turtle returns to the ocean in Key West, Florida
Molly, a loggerhead sea turtle who survived a rare, high-risk tumor surgery, was released back into the ocean in Key West, Florida, after months of recovery.
Outliving empires, wars and generations, the world’s oldest known land animal, a giant tortoise named Jonathan, died on Wednesday, April 1, the reptile’s caretaker said.
At the time of Jonathan’s death, the male turtle was estimated be 193 years old, veterinarian Joe Hollis posted on X.
“Heartbroken to share that our beloved Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal, has passed away today peacefully,” Hollis wrote in the post. “As his vet for many years, it was an honor to care for him − hand-feeding bananas, watching him bask in the sun, and marveling at his quiet wisdom. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience and longevity that inspired millions. Rest easy, old friend. You’ll be missed more than words can say.”
The tortoise spent most of his life living in St. Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.
According to Guinness World Records, Jonathan is thought to have been born around 1832, as he was estimated to be at least 50 years old in 1882 when he was brought to St. Helena from the Seychelles.
Jonathan held two records over his lifetime: the world’s oldest living land animal and the oldest chelonian, the category of reptiles including all turtles, terrapins and tortoises.
What is Jonathan the tortoise’s birthday?
The animal was originally a gift to the governor St. Helena, and lived on the grounds of the governor’s residence, the Plantation House mansion, according to Smithsonian magazine.
Jonathan’s actual date of birth is unknown, but in 2022, Gov. Nigel Phillips assigned the tortoise an official birthday of Dec. 4, according to a St. Helena information website.
Contributing: Mike Snyder
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
