Meet Jonathan: This 194-year-old tortoise is the world's oldest living land animal on Earth

Jonathan, the oldest known living chelonian is 194 years old. (Image: X/@historigins)

• Jonathan the tortoise, 194, is the oldest living land animal.
• He lives on Saint Helena and was born around 1832.
• Scientists are fascinated by Jonathan's officially recognized longevity.

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A giant tortoise named Jonathan has become a living symbol of longevity. At 194 years old, he holds the title of the oldest living land animal on Earth. This record is recognised by Guinness World Records.

Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) who lives on the remote British territory of Saint Helena. Scientists estimate he was born around 1832. This means he was already decades old when the "first photograph" was taken in 1839.

A Life Spanning Nearly Two Centuries

Jonathan arrived on St Helena in 1882 as a gift from the Seychelles. Since then, he has lived on the grounds of the governor’s residence at Plantation House.

He is quietly witnessed nearly for two centuries of human history. This tortoise is living on earth from the late Victorian era to the modern digital age.

World's oldest land animal, Jonathan the tortoise, celebrates 190th birthday. This photo is dated to c. 1882-86 and taken in the grounds of Plantation on St Helena. This is shortly after Jonathan arrived on the island (Jonathan is shown on the left) pic.twitter.com/3uz4P3elYs

— Today In History (@historigins) November 28, 2025

Is Jonathan living "perfectly" on Earth?

Despite his remarkable age, Jonathan still lives a comfortable life under the care of local veterinarians and conservation staff.

Although he has lost his sense of smell and most of his eyesight. According to the caretakers of this tortoise, he is still alive and active. Jonathan still likes his favourite foods which include lettuce, cucumber, carrots, apples and bananas.

The Science of Extreme Longevity

The giant tortoises have one of the longest lifestyles of vertebrates in the earth. Their low rate of metabolism, defense shells and evolutionary developments have assisted scientists to believe that they live unusually long.

Due to his age, Jonathan has become a valuable study for scientists studying longevity, ageing as well as animal physiology.

Does This Species Live That Long, or Is Jonathan a Unique Case?

Jonathan belongs to the Seychelles giant tortoise, one of the longest-living land animals on Earth. Members of this species commonly live well over 100 years. Some have reached 150 years or more under favourable conditions.

However, Jonathan’s estimated age of around 194 years is extremely rare even for giant tortoises. He represents an exceptional case of extreme longevity.

A Global Symbol of Longevity

In addition to being the oldest living land animal, Jonathan also holds the record for the oldest known living chelonian. Chelonian is the group that includes turtles, tortoises and terrapins.

His milestone was officially verified by Guinness World Records in 2022 when he turned 190. As he approaches two centuries of life, the gentle giant continues to fascinate scientists. He offers a rare living link to a world that existed nearly 200 years ago.