The world's oldest living land animal, called Jonathan, continues to wax stronger even with advanced age, and give more insight into tortoises’ longevity. It was hatched in 1832 in Seychelles, a bustling tourist destination in Africa.
He celebrated his 193rd birthday on 4 December 2025. It isn't just a milestone in his waxing life. It cements his status as the oldest living land animal ever recorded, a title verified and bestowed on him by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Jonathan now lives in the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, which is an island located in the South Atlantic Ocean, with Angola and Namibia on its southeastern coast being the closest nations geographically.
His remarkable story on the remote island started in 1882, when he was brought along with several other reptiles at the age of around 50 years by British colonialists.
Since then, he has resided on the grounds of the colonial governor's Plantation House, becoming a tourist attraction.
Jonathan's longevity is an astonishing timeline, spanning the reign of eight British monarchs, including the longest-reigning, Queen Elizabeth II, and 40 US presidents.
While Jonathan's exact age is estimated, the current administration of Saint Helena island formally declared 4 December 1832 as Jonathan's official birthday in November 2022.
Tortoises are among animals with the longest lifespan, with Seychelles' giant tortoises having an average lifespan of 150 years and being considered fully grown at 50 years.
Despite losing his sight and sense of smell due to his advanced age, Jonathan's spirit remains undimmed.
Under the dedicated care of veterinarians, he enjoys a revitalising diet of hand-fed fruits and vegetables.
A beloved celebrity, Jonathan has been featured on Saint Helena's currency and stamps. Each year, officials throw him a birthday party complete with a species-appropriate cake.
In a world of constant change, Jonathan is a living monument – a gentle, slow-moving testament to resilience, who continues to bask, graze, and quietly defy time itself so far.
