Jonathan, a 184 year old tortoise touted as perhaps the oldest living land animal, seemed a little surprised at times in this video released by the St. Helena government.

The solid scrubbing appeared to be an attempt to renew the vim and vigour of his shell, as Joe Hollins, the vet who did the deed stated: “It is purely for aesthetic reasons.  We want visitors and tourists on the Island to witness the tortoises in their true form, without the obstruction of moss and lichen on their shells.  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.”

In recent years, Hollins also oversaw an overhaul of Jonathan’s diet, which seems to have increased his overall well being. Sounds like Jonathan has a pretty savvy ally and friend.