This 193-Year-Old Tortoise Jonathan Is Outliving Generations
Tanisha Kumari | Dec 03, 2025, 17:28 IST
Jonathan
( Image credit : Freepik )
Jonathan, the 193-year-old Seychelles giant tortoise, is the world’s oldest living land animal. He symbolizes longevity, conservation and history, inspiring researchers and tourists alike.
If walls could talk, Jonathan the tortoise would have the longest story to tell because he has lived through centuries of history. At 193 years of age, Jonathan is not just a tortoise but he is the oldest known living land animal on Earth.
Jonathan's Early Life Facts
Jonathan belongs to a species of Seychelles giant tortoise who are natives to the Indian Ocean region. Though his exact birth year was not documented but it is said that he hatched in 1832 when Britain still had a king, photography was newly invented and the concept of telephones did not exist.
Jonathan got his name in the 1930s. Governor Sir Spencer Davis picked it. Jonathan stayed through 31 governors. His home is Plantation House Garden.
Guinness World Records recognised Jonathan as the oldest living land animal. He passed other old tortoises. One from Tonga who lived for 189 years. Jonathan keeps going at 193 and his photos and size prove it.
Giant tortoises live up to 150 years most times but Jonathan has broken that rule. His record draws crowds to St Helena to see him. He beats all land animals known.
Jonathan is calm and gentle and likes to sunbathe all day. His meals are hand prepared and soft enough for him to chew comfortably. Leafy greens, carrots, apples and bananas are among his favorites. At dusk he likes resting under trees and going for slow walks. Kids on the island have grown up watching him.
Challenges of Aging
Jonathan faces natural age-related struggles. His eyesight has gone weak and his sense of smell has faded. Still, caretakers ensure he is comfortable, healthy and stress-free. Weekly vet visits help monitor his energy, diet and mobility. Yet despite these physical changes, Jonathan still appears alert, aware and emotionally connected to his surroundings.
Legacy of the Oldest Living Creature
Jonathan represents more than just age as he symbolizes conservation and the mysteries of nature. His long life inspires researchers studying aging and longevity. He has also become a tourism icon for St. Helena.
Most importantly Jonathan reminds us that life does not have to be rushed.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
Jonathan's Early Life Facts
Jonathan got his name in the 1930s. Governor Sir Spencer Davis picked it. Jonathan stayed through 31 governors. His home is Plantation House Garden.
Guinness World Record Holder
Guinness World Records recognised Jonathan as the oldest living land animal. He passed other old tortoises. One from Tonga who lived for 189 years. Jonathan keeps going at 193 and his photos and size prove it.
Giant tortoises live up to 150 years most times but Jonathan has broken that rule. His record draws crowds to St Helena to see him. He beats all land animals known.
Jonathan Tortoise Daily Routine Personality
Challenges of Aging
Legacy of the Oldest Living Creature
Most importantly Jonathan reminds us that life does not have to be rushed.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!