A tortoise born before the invention of the telephone, before the Eiffel Tower was built and decades before the end of Queen Victoria's reign has achieved yet another milestone. Jonathan, the world's oldest known living land animal, has officially been recognised as a Guinness World Records ICON for 2026, further cementing his place in history.
The Seychelles giant tortoise, believed to have been born around 1832, is currently 194 years old and continues to live on the remote South Atlantic island of Saint Helena. He already holds Guinness World Records titles for being the oldest living terrestrial animal and the oldest known chelonian, a group that includes tortoises and turtles.
Who is Jonathan?
Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise who has spent much of his life on Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. Historical records indicate that he arrived on the island in 1882 when he was already fully mature, leading experts to estimate that he was born no later than 1832.
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Today, he resides on the grounds of Plantation House, the official residence of Saint Helena's governor, where he is cared for by local authorities.
Why has Guinness World Records honoured him
Guinness World Records recently included Jonathan in its prestigious ICONS 2026 list, which celebrates extraordinary record-holders from around the world. Announcing the honour, Guinness highlighted his exceptional longevity and noted that the average life expectancy of his species is around 150 years, making Jonathan's 194-year lifespan particularly remarkable.
His longevity has transformed him into one of the most famous animals on the planet and a symbol of resilience and endurance.
Jonathan the tortoise is officially a Guinness World Records ICON ¨
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) June 17, 2026
Believed to have been born c. 1832, Jonathan is the oldest living land animal at the grand old age of 194 years. He is a Seychelles giant tortoise and the average life expectancy of his species is 150. pic.twitter.com/WqxBrM4Z8H
A living witness to history
Jonathan has lived through some of the most dramatic periods in human history. He was alive before the invention of the light bulb, witnessed the rise and fall of empires, survived two World Wars and lived through the emergence of the internet age.
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His extraordinary lifespan means he has outlived generations of humans and watched the world transform in ways few living creatures ever have.
Why are scientists interested in Jonathan?
Beyond the records, Jonathan has become a subject of scientific research. As per India today's reports researchers are studying his DNA and biological makeup to better understand ageing, longevity and how some animals manage to remain healthy for exceptionally long periods.
Scientists hope that insights from Jonathan's biology could contribute to broader research into lifespan and age-related health.
A tourism icon for Saint Helena
Jonathan has become one of Saint Helena's biggest attractions, drawing visitors from around the world who want to meet the legendary tortoise in person. His popularity has helped boost tourism on the remote island and turned him into an unofficial ambassador for the territory.
Despite his global fame, Jonathan reportedly spends most of his days grazing, resting in the sun and enjoying a peaceful routine.
FAQs
How old is Jonathan the tortoise?
Jonathan is believed to be 194 years old, having been born around 1832.
What record does Jonathan hold?
He is recognised as the world's oldest known living land animal and oldest known chelonian.
