Guinness World Records has given an unusual honorary title to Jonathan, the giant tortoise recognized as the oldest living land animal in the world. His age is estimated at about 194 years, and he has been named a “Guinness World Records Icon,” a special status reserved for record holders whose achievements have affected millions of people worldwide.
Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise. He arrived at his current home on St. Helena in the Atlantic Ocean in 1882, already fully grown, which puts his likely hatch year around 1832. Over his very long life, he has outlived 31 governors of the island and is said to have met historical figures, including British kings.
Recent footage showed Jonathan walking slowly across the lawns of Government House on St. Helena beside his official certificate from Guinness. Despite his age, which has partly affected his eyesight and sense of smell, island veterinarians say his hearing remains sharp and his overall condition is stable.
To help him live as long as possible, the island’s vet feeds him by hand every week with fresh fruit and vegetables he especially likes, including carrots, zucchini, apples and bananas. Scientists are also interested in his genetics, because his cells appear not to mutate in the same way as human cells, a possible clue to the biology of exceptional longevity.
