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World’s oldest land animal celebrates 191st birthday
Jonathan has outlived the species' 150 year life expectancy.
Jonathan the tortoise shows ‘no sign of slowing down’.

A tortoise, recognised as the world’s oldest living land animal and oldest chelonian, has celebrated what is estimated to be his 191st birthday.

Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise, is believed to have been born in 1832, based on the fact he was at least 50 years old in 1882. However, this conservative estimate means he could be even older.

This means he has lived far longer than the species’ life expectancy of 150 years.

Jonathan arrived on the island of St Helena 141 years ago, and has resided at Plantation House, the home of St Helena’s governor, ever since.

In his lifetime, there have been eight British monarchs, 37 UK Prime Ministers and 40 US presidents.

He now spends his days relaxing in the sunshine with three other tortoises: David, Emma and Frederick. Even in his old age, his long-time veterinary surgeon Joe Hollins told Guinness World Records that Jonathan has a ‘good libido’, and still attempts to mate with both Emma and Frederick.

A typical, sunny day will see the 191-year-old taking in the heat by extending his long neck and legs to absorb heat and transfer it to his core. On cooler days, he buries himself under a mound of leaves or grass clippings and stays there all day.

Jonathan also loves his fruit and vegetables, with his 190th birthday cake including many of his favourite snacks such as cabbage, carrots and lettuce hearts.

Despite losing his sense of smell and much of his eyesight, Dr Hollins says he shows no sign of slowing down on his 191st.

Speaking to Guinness World Records, he said: “It is extraordinary to think that this gentle giant has outlived every other living creature on land, including of course the whole human race.

“Jonathan is in good health and all the indications at present make us hopeful that he will reach his third century – if indeed he hasn’t done so already!”

Image © Guinness World Records

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.