Jonathan the tortoise is the oldest living land animal in the world. Image: Pixabay
British royalty visits SA to see world’s oldest living animal
The Duke of Edinburgh arrived in South Africa today for a two-day working trip and to visit the world’s oldest living animal.
Jonathan the tortoise is the oldest living land animal in the world. Image: Pixabay
With three senior members of the British monarchy unable to perform any royal duties, King Charles’ youngest brother Prince Edward has flown out to SA for a conservation and animal-related trip.
He was welcomed on Monday morning by Ambassador Maud Dlomo, DDG.
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After a two-day working trip in SA and meeting animal conservation groups, Prince Edward will pay an official visit to one of the world’s most remote islands off the coast of Southern Africa, St Helena.
There he will open the airport, meet community leaders and also encounter the island’s most famous inhabitant – 191-year-old Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise.
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Oldest living animal
Jonathan is the oldest living land animal in the world and is thought to have hatched in 1832.
The ancient tortoise was born before the invention of the light bulb and the telephone, and is estimated to have lived through 40 U.S. presidents and 31 governors of Saint Helena.
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Although his exact birthdate is unknown, Jonathan was fully grown when he was gifted to the island’s governor in 1882. Experts suggest the animal was 50 years old at that time.
Remote South Atlantic island
Prince Edward is the first member of the royal family to visit St Helena since Princess Anne travelled there in 2002.
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“This promises to be a special occasion, with a public holiday allowing the entire community to join this opportunity to celebrate all that is great about the culture and environment of this remarkable island,” said Governor Nigel Phillips.
The overseas tour comes as the Princess Kate remains in hospital after abdominal surgery, with the Prince of Wales stepping back from royal duties to care for her and their children.
