St. Helena Tortoise’s Girlfriend Turns Out To Be A Boyfriend
For the last two-and-a-half decades or so, St. Helena’s famous tortoise Jonathan has been enjoying the company of Frederica. It was recently discovered that Frederica is actually a male.
The island of St. Helena, a British Overseas Territory, has long been notable as the home of Jonathan, a 186-year-old tortoise, reports The Times.
For the last two-and-a-half decades or so, he’s been enjoying the company of Frederica, a mate gifted by the French consul to governor of the island.
It was recently discovered that Frederica is actually a Frederic.
Johnathan’s beloved had been ailing from a shell lesion and was recently looked over by a veterinarian.
A rather thorough examination revealed the tortoise is, despite long-held beliefs, male.
He and Jonathan’s relationship remains the same as it always was, and those who watch over them likely now understand why the two never produced offspring.
Notably, news of the same-sex relationship follows efforts to bring marriage equality to St. Helena.
A bill towards that end was introduced not long ago, but dropped due to a lack of support from residents of the island.
Perhaps the happiness Jonathan and Frederic share will inspire greater acceptance of the measure.
The island of St. Helena, a British Overseas Territory, has long been notable as the home of Jonathan, a 186-year-old tortoise, reports The Times.
For the last two-and-a-half decades or so, he’s been enjoying the company of Frederica, a mate gifted by the French consul to governor of the island.
It was recently discovered that Frederica is actually a Frederic.
Johnathan’s beloved had been ailing from a shell lesion and was recently looked over by a veterinarian.
A rather thorough examination revealed the tortoise is, despite long-held beliefs, male.
He and Jonathan’s relationship remains the same as it always was, and those who watch over them likely now understand why the two never produced offspring.
Notably, news of the same-sex relationship follows efforts to bring marriage equality to St. Helena.
A bill towards that end was introduced not long ago, but dropped due to a lack of support from residents of the island.
Perhaps the happiness Jonathan and Frederic share will inspire greater acceptance of the measure.