In a world where lifespans are fleeting, one remarkable creature has defied the odds, outliving generations, historical events, and even entire civilizations as we know them. Meet Jonathan, a 190-year-old giant tortoise, who holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest living land animal.
Born around 1832, Jonathan has been a resident of St. Helena, a remote tropical island in the South Atlantic, since 1882. Having witnessed the reign of Queen Victoria, the invention of the telephone, and the rise of modern technology, this ancient reptile remains largely unaffected by the passage of time. His days are spent basking in the sun, grazing on grass, and socializing with his fellow tortoise companions.
But how does a creature live for nearly two centuries? And what makes Jonathan such a legend?
A Glimpse into the Past: The Oldest Chelonian in History
Jonathan’s incredible journey began long before his arrival on St. Helena. Though his exact birthplace remains unknown, he was estimated to be at least 50 years old when he reached full maturity—meaning he may have been born even earlier than 1832.
One of the earliest known photographs of Jonathan was taken between 1882 and 1886, showing him fully grown and grazing in his home at Plantation House, the residence of St. Helena’s governor. That means he has spent over 140 years in the same place, watching as the world around him changed in ways unimaginable.
His longevity has earned him the title of the oldest chelonian (tortoise, turtle, or terrapin) ever recorded, surpassing the previous record holder, Tu’i Malila, a radiated tortoise that lived to be 188 years old. Tu’i Malila was famously gifted to the royal family of Tonga by British explorer Captain James Cook in 1777 and lived until 1965.
But Jonathan has officially outlived them all—and he’s still going strong!
Jonathan’s Life Today: A Slow and Steady Routine
Even at 190 years old, Jonathan continues to live a peaceful, relaxed life on Plantation House’s lush paddocks, where he shares his home with three younger tortoises: Emma, David, and Fred.
Though he has lost his sight and sense of smell, Jonathan still has a keen sense of hearing and recognizes the voice of his veterinarian, Joe Hollins. According to St. Helena officials, Jonathan still has a healthy appetite and receives a special hand-fed diet once a week to ensure he gets enough calories, vitamins, and minerals.
Despite his age-related ailments, Jonathan still enjoys his favorite activities, including:
- Basking in the sun on warm days, stretching out his long neck and legs to absorb the heat.
- Burrowing into leaf piles or grass clippings to stay warm during colder months.
- Eating his favorite foods, which include cabbages, apples, cucumbers, and carrots (although bananas are a bit tricky since they get stuck in his mouth).
- Mating—yes, even at 190! He is often seen engaging with Emma and even Fred, proving that tortoises don’t care much about gender norms.
His energy levels remain high, and he continues to captivate visitors from all over the world. Generations of St. Helena locals have grown up taking photos with Jonathan, making him an icon of the island.
Why Do Tortoises Live So Long? The Science of Longevity
Jonathan’s extreme lifespan remains a mystery, but scientists have some theories about why giant tortoises can live well beyond a century.
One possible explanation is apoptosis, a natural process where their bodies efficiently dispose of damaged cells before they can become harmful. This ability may help prevent aging-related diseases and keep their organs functioning longer.
Additionally, tortoises have an incredibly slow metabolism, which means they require less energy and put less stress on their bodies over time. This, combined with their low-stress lifestyle, contributes to their remarkable longevity.
However, while Jonathan is the oldest land animal, some marine creatures live even longer:
- Greenland sharks can live for over 272 years, making them the longest-living vertebrates.
- Hydra, a tiny freshwater organism, has a unique regenerative ability that allows it to potentially live forever—if not eaten or affected by environmental threats.
Still, on land, Jonathan remains the reigning champion of longevity.
Celebrating 190 Years of History
To honor Jonathan’s 190th birthday, the island of St. Helena has planned a grand celebration filled with events, speeches, and even a photo collage featuring generations of people who have visited him over the years.
“Jonathan is more than just a tortoise—he’s a symbol of endurance, history, and resilience,” says Matt Joshua, head of St. Helena’s tourism. “There are generations of locals who have pictures of their grandparents as children with Jonathan. He’s a part of our identity.”
Even his vet, Joe Hollins, recognizes the impact of caring for such a legendary creature:
“Jonathan is a local icon, symbolic of persistence in the face of change.”
As we celebrate Jonathan’s incredible journey, one can only wonder: Will he make it to 200? If his track record is anything to go by, he just might!
For now, we can only admire this living relic of history, continuing his slow and steady path through time—one bite of lettuce at a time. 🐢🎉