Jonathan, believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal, has turned 194 and been named a Guinness World Records “Icon.” The giant tortoise, a Seychelles giant tortoise, lives on the Atlantic island of Saint Helena and has been there since 1882, when he arrived already fully grown.
His birth year is estimated to be no later than 1832, and researchers think he may be even older. Saint Helena Governor Nigel Phillips called Jonathan “a beloved resident of Saint Helena” and said he is “a symbol of the island’s enduring resilience and its commitment to environmental protection.”
Caregivers say that despite losing his sight and sense of smell, Jonathan still eats, basks in the sun, and enjoys life. Guinness said the “Icon” designation is reserved for “a small group of record holders whose achievements have gone beyond their field and inspired people around the world.”
The article notes that Seychelles giant tortoises can grow to more than a meter long and weigh hundreds of kilograms, and that they are known for extraordinary longevity.