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World's oldest tortoise celebrates 190th birthday

On the tiny island of Saint Helena, there's a party going. Jonathan the giant tortoise is celebrating his 190th birthday. 

He is no stranger to fame. He is the world's oldest recorded tortoise - indeed, the world's oldest known living land animal. 

Jonathan has lived through two world wars and the rise and fall of the British Empire. He was hatched in the Georgian era - the early 1800s.

He has now earned the Guinness Book of World records title of the longest living land animal. His official record title is oldest chelonian – a category which encompasses all turtles, terrapins and tortoises.

Among the birthday celebrants is Teeny Lucy who helps look after Jonathan on the island:

"He does know people, he recognises me...he enjoys being stroked. We're keeping our fingers crossed that he makes it to 200."

(Photo: Photo of Jonathan, the world's oldest Tortoise. Credit: St Helena/PA)

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Duration:

3 minutes