Jonathan the giant tortoise, officially recognized as the world’s oldest living land animal, has been honored with the prestigious Guinness World Records ICON award!
Born around 1832, the legendary tortoise is currently estimated to be 194 years old, making him the oldest chelonian (turtle, tortoise, or terrapin) ever reliably recorded in history.
Jonathan resides on Saint Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean, where he has lived on the grounds of the governor’s official residence since arriving from the Seychelles in 1882. Although he has fully lost his eyesight and sense of smell due to cataracts, veterinary doctors report that he remains in remarkably good health with an excellent appetite. To better understand his extraordinary longevity, scientists are currently studying Jonathan’s DNA to uncover genetic secrets that could explain how he has managed to survive for nearly two centuries.
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