Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal, has achieved another Guinness World Records title!
At 190 years old, Jonathan is now officially recognized as the oldest tortoise ever. His record title, oldest chelonian, includes all turtles, terrapins, and tortoises.
A Remarkable Life
Jonathan was pictured in December 2021, and according to an update from the St Helena Government, he has “come through the winter well.” He continues to graze, but due to his blindness and lack of smell, he struggles to find food unless it is placed directly in front of him.
To ensure he receives enough nutrients, the Veterinary Section feeds Jonathan by hand once a week, providing him with additional calories, vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. Despite his age, his hearing remains sharp, and he enjoys human companionship, responding particularly well to his vet, Joe Hollins, whose voice he associates with food.
A Record-Breaking Chelonian
Before Jonathan, the oldest known chelonian was Tu’i Malila, a radiated tortoise that lived at least 188 years. Gifted to the royal family of Tonga by Captain Cook around 1777, Tu’i Malila remained in their care until passing away in 1965.
Jonathan’s estimated birth year is around 1832, making him 190 years old in 2022. This estimate is based on the fact that he was fully mature—at least 50 years old—when he arrived in St Helena from the Seychelles in 1882. In reality, he may be even older.
A photograph taken between 1882 and 1886 further supports this estimation, showing a fully-grown Jonathan grazing at Plantation House, the residence of St Helena’s Governor. Jonathan has lived there for most of his life.
Since being gifted to Sir William Grey-Wilson in the 19th century, Jonathan has outlived 31 governors. Today, he still roams the same grounds, sharing his home with three other giant tortoises: David, Emma, and Fred.
Witness to History
Jonathan has lived through remarkable historical moments, including:
- 1838 – The first photograph of a person was taken
- 1876 – The first telephone call was made
- 1878 – The invention of the incandescent lightbulb
- 1887 – The completion of the Eiffel Tower, the tallest iron structure of its time
- 1903 – The first powered flight by the Wright brothers
- 1969 – The first Moon landing by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin
Despite the ever-changing world around him, Jonathan remains the same, continuing to enjoy his simple pleasures: sleeping, eating, and mating.
Jonathan’s Daily Life
According to his vet, Joe Hollins, Jonathan enjoys basking in the sun, stretching his long neck and legs to absorb warmth. On hot days, he seeks shade, while in colder weather, he buries himself in leaf mold or grass clippings to stay warm.
Although his sight and smell have faded, Jonathan remains energetic. Even at his remarkable age, he still has a strong libido and frequently mates with Emma—and occasionally Fred, as animals often do not distinguish gender.
Favorite Foods
Jonathan has a varied diet, enjoying cabbage, cucumber, carrot, apple, and other seasonal fruits. While he loves bananas, they tend to gum up his mouth. His favorite treat? Lettuce hearts—though not very nutritious, they are among his preferred snacks.
Jonathan, a true icon of resilience and longevity, continues to captivate the world, proving that age is just a number!
