It’s been a long 186 years for Jonathan, the Seychelles gaint tortoise.
After 30 years with his partner Frederica, it was revealed that Frederica is actually Frederic! During surgery, doctors realized that they labeled him as the wrong gender. No wonder little Jons weren’t slugging around St. Helena Island.
This pronoun faux pas led to Jonathan holding the title for the oldest living gay creature on the planet!
Jonathan was originally given as a gift to the governor of St. Helena in 1882, and still lives on the grounds of Plantation House, the governor’s official residence. He suffers from cataracts and is a bit brittle, but reportedly still has excellent hearing.
Ah-Mazing. This isn’t the only record Jonathan holds. He’s also recorded to be the fastest turtle on the planet moving 1/2-1 MPH.
While impressive, Jonathan isn’t the only gay turtle on the planet (duh!). Last year, a whole group of tortoises were living out and proud.
…biologists reported on a group of tortoises in Macedonia exhibiting same-sex behaviors.
Hopefully the tortoises can lead the marriage equality movement as St Helena’s Supreme Court will make a decision within the next year.
You go, Jonathan. You inspire us all!
Content via NewNowNext and St.Helena Island.