World’s Oldest Living Animal Gets His First Bath in 184 Years [Video]

Jonathan, considered to be the oldest living animal in the world at 184 years old, just had its first ever bath.

Almost two centuries worth of black sludge and bird droppings were carefully scrubbed off the giant tortoise's back in an hour-long clean up.

Dr. Joe Hollins, a veterinarian, bathed Jonathan using a surgical soap--since it's not caustic--and soft brushes and loofah to prevent damaging his shell.

In a statement, he said he has consulted a tortoise specialist to learn the proper method of washing the shell--gentle, circular scrubbing using non-abrasive materials.

There are no medical reasons behind Jonathan's historical bath. Dr. Hollins admitted that it was purely for aesthetic reasons.

"There is so much interest in Jonathan, St. Helena's most famous animal resident, and we want all who visit him to see him at his best," the veterinarian said.

Telegraph reported that Jonathan's scrub down was done ahead of the Royal family's visit to St. Helena for the dedication of their new airport in May.

St. Helena is an island in the South Atlantic Ocean and is part of the British Overseas Territories.

According to St. Helena Independent, there is no exact evidence to show how Jonathan ended up in the tropical island.

One speculation is he came with a 17th-century ship that can contain hundreds of the easily stacked tortoises.

Tortoises are known to be eaten during that time, but it appears that Jonathan has luckily avoided this fate.

However, according to some records, Jonathan landed in St. Helena fully-grown in 1882 as a gift to the governor from the Seychelles. A fully-grown tortoise is about 50 years old.

At present, Jonathan is virtually blind by cataracts and has no sense of smell, but his hearing is good.

The estimated life expectancy of a tortoise is around 150 years, according to New World Encyclopedia. Jonathan has already exceeded this by around three decades.

The giant tortoise has lived through eight British monarchs from George IV to Elizabeth II, and 51 prime ministers.

Jonathan currently spends his days in Plantation House, the residence of the Governor of St. Helena, together with four other tortoises: Myrtle, Fredrika, David, and Emma.