Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Seychelles is expected to include an unusual but memorable stop. Alongside official meetings and National Day celebrations, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal.
The giant Seychelles tortoise has fascinated people across the world for decades because of his remarkable age and enduring presence.
Who is Jonathan?
Jonathan is a giant Seychelles tortoise believed to have been born in 1832. According to Guinness World Records, he is around 194 years old, making him the oldest living land animal on Earth.
Over the years, Jonathan has become one of Seychelles' most recognisable attractions. His extraordinary lifespan has also drawn the attention of scientists and researchers studying ageing and longevity.
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Although nearly two centuries old, Jonathan continues to live under the care of veterinarians. He has poor eyesight due to cataracts and his sense of smell has weakened with age. Despite these challenges, he remains active with regular care and monitoring.
Visited the Giant Tortoise Enclosure at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden with President Dr. Patrick Herminie.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 27, 2026
The Aldabra Giant Tortoise, which is native to Seychelles, is among the largest and longest-living species on Earth, with some of them witnessing over two… pic.twitter.com/995s3bfawf
Why is PM Modi meeting Jonathan?
During his visit to Seychelles, PM Modi will tour the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, where Jonathan lives. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to plant a tree, highlighting the shared focus on environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The interaction with Jonathan is expected to be one of the standout moments of the visit, attracting attention beyond the diplomatic programme.
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Why the Seychelles visit matters
PM Modi is travelling to Seychelles as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. He has been invited as the Guest of Honour for the country's National Day celebrations.
The visit will also include discussions with Seychelles' leadership on strengthening cooperation in maritime security, the blue economy, climate resilience and capacity building.
While these strategic talks remain central to the visit, Jonathan's story adds a unique historical touch. Having lived through nearly two centuries of world history, the giant tortoise has become a lasting symbol of resilience and longevity, making the meeting one of the most anticipated highlights of the Prime Minister's trip.
