Saint Helena — Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise believed to have been born around 1832, continues to capture global attention as the world’s oldest known living land animal, now more than 190 years old.
Jonathan resides at Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor of Saint Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean. He arrived on the island in 1882 as a gift to the British colonial administration and has remained there ever since, becoming a beloved symbol of longevity and resilience.
Recognized by Guinness World Records for his extraordinary age, Jonathan has lived through dramatic periods of world history, spanning the reigns of dozens of monarchs and major global transformations. Despite his advanced age, he remains active and engaged in daily life.
In recent years, Jonathan has lost his eyesight and sense of smell, common conditions for a tortoise of such remarkable age. However, his health is closely monitored by caregivers who provide him with a carefully tailored diet to ensure proper nutrition. He continues to enjoy sunbathing, a favorite pastime, and regularly interacts with other tortoises sharing his enclosure.
Caretakers describe Jonathan as gentle and content, noting that his appetite and mobility remain strong. His ongoing well-being offers scientists and animal lovers alike a rare glimpse into extreme longevity among land animals.
As Jonathan approaches two centuries of life, he remains not only a record holder but also a living piece of natural and colonial history, drawing admiration from visitors around the world and reminding many of the enduring wonders of the natural world.
