Jonathan the tortoise, born around 1832, has earned the title of the world’s oldest known land animal at 187 years old. His remarkable life spans nearly two centuries, during which he has witnessed incredible historical events, from the coronation of Queen Victoria to the invention of the incandescent light bulb and the first powered flight.
A photo dated to c. 1882–86 taken in the grounds of Plantation on St Helena – shortly after Jonathan arrived on the island (Jonathan is shown on the left)
Originally from the Seychelles, Jonathan has resided on the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena since 1882. He shares his home with fellow giant tortoises David, Emma, and Fred and continues to captivate locals and visitors alike with his gentle temperament, robust appetite, and surprisingly active lifestyle despite his advanced age.
Jonathan pictured with St Helenian Maxina Yon, holding a copy of the island's Sentinel newspaper dated 21 Feb 2019Jonathan’s longevity has allowed him to outlive the oldest verified human by around 65 years. While Jeanne Calment, the world’s oldest person, lived to 122 years and 144 days, Jonathan has far surpassed this record, establishing a unique benchmark for terrestrial animals worldwide. His life has not only intersected with major historical milestones but also highlights the extraordinary lifespan potential of giant tortoises, some of which can live well beyond 150 years under optimal care.Jonathan’s early life and arrival on St HelenaJonathan was likely around 50 years old when he was brought to St Helena in 1882, making his estimated birth year 1832. He was gifted to the governor of the British Overseas Territory, William Grey-Wilson, and has lived at the governor’s residence ever since.
Vet Joe Hollins tells us that he and ‘crusty old reptile’ Jonathan have formed a close bond over the yearsHis habitat is the manicured lawns of “Plantation,” a Georgian mansion built by the East India Company in 1791–92. Jonathan’s early life in the Seychelles remains largely a mystery, though recent studies suggest he may belong to the rare Seychelles giant tortoise species rather than the Aldabran variety he was long believed to be.Historical milestones witnessed by JonathanThroughout his life, Jonathan has lived through two world wars, the Russian Revolution, and the reigns of seven British monarchs. He has also seen 39 US presidents take office and witnessed remarkable human inventions, including the Penny Black postage stamp, the Eiffel Tower, the first skyscraper, and the development of photography and electric lighting. Jonathan’s existence offers a living connection to the 19th century, bridging the past with the present.
The oldest chelonian on record is a radiated tortoise (example shown here)Health and daily life of a record-breaking tortoiseDespite his advanced age, Jonathan remains in surprisingly good health. He is virtually blind due to cataracts and has lost his sense of smell, yet he retains excellent hearing and a healthy appetite. Veterinary care, led by St Helena vet Joe Hollins, has ensured his continued well-being, including dietary adjustments to address micro-deficiencies. Jonathan enjoys a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and occasional calorific supplements, with favorites including banana, lettuce hearts, cabbage, cucumber, apple, and carrots. His improved beak condition allows him to graze naturally once more.
Among Jonathan’s favourite snacks are lettuce hearts, cucumbers, apples and bananas
Jonathan’s typical day is relaxed. On sunny days, he stretches his long neck and legs to absorb heat, while on colder days he burrows into leaf mold or grass clippings. He responds to his name at feeding time and enjoys social interactions, particularly with his fellow tortoises, Emma and Fred. Remarkably, he still maintains libido, which indicates robust internal health.Jonathan as a local iconThe residents of St Helena view Jonathan as more than a tortoise; he is a symbol of resilience and continuity. Visitors to the island can observe him and his companions in their naturalistic habitat, though restrictions are in place to prevent disturbances from cruise ship tours. Jonathan’s presence enriches the cultural and natural heritage of St Helena, making him an enduring attraction for tourists and a beloved figure for locals.Legacy and conservation significanceJonathan’s exceptional lifespan draws attention to the longevity of giant tortoises and the importance of conservation. Recent studies suggest there may be around 80 individuals of the Seychelles giant tortoise species worldwide, underscoring the significance of protecting these remarkable reptiles. Jonathan serves as a living testament to careful habitat management, veterinary care, and the potential for animals to thrive well beyond average lifespans.A symbol of endurance and historyAt 187 years old, Jonathan the tortoise continues to fascinate and inspire. His life offers a unique perspective on history, longevity, and the care of giant tortoises. With a daily routine full of grazing, sunbathing, and interaction with humans and fellow tortoises, Jonathan exemplifies the resilience of nature and remains a cherished global icon on the remote island of St Helena.
A photo dated to c. 1882–86 taken in the grounds of Plantation on St Helena – shortly after Jonathan arrived on the island (Jonathan is shown on the left)Originally from the Seychelles, Jonathan has resided on the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena since 1882. He shares his home with fellow giant tortoises David, Emma, and Fred and continues to captivate locals and visitors alike with his gentle temperament, robust appetite, and surprisingly active lifestyle despite his advanced age.
Jonathan pictured with St Helenian Maxina Yon, holding a copy of the island's Sentinel newspaper dated 21 Feb 2019Jonathan’s longevity has allowed him to outlive the oldest verified human by around 65 years. While Jeanne Calment, the world’s oldest person, lived to 122 years and 144 days, Jonathan has far surpassed this record, establishing a unique benchmark for terrestrial animals worldwide. His life has not only intersected with major historical milestones but also highlights the extraordinary lifespan potential of giant tortoises, some of which can live well beyond 150 years under optimal care.Jonathan’s early life and arrival on St HelenaJonathan was likely around 50 years old when he was brought to St Helena in 1882, making his estimated birth year 1832. He was gifted to the governor of the British Overseas Territory, William Grey-Wilson, and has lived at the governor’s residence ever since.Vet Joe Hollins tells us that he and ‘crusty old reptile’ Jonathan have formed a close bond over the yearsHis habitat is the manicured lawns of “Plantation,” a Georgian mansion built by the East India Company in 1791–92. Jonathan’s early life in the Seychelles remains largely a mystery, though recent studies suggest he may belong to the rare Seychelles giant tortoise species rather than the Aldabran variety he was long believed to be.Historical milestones witnessed by JonathanThroughout his life, Jonathan has lived through two world wars, the Russian Revolution, and the reigns of seven British monarchs. He has also seen 39 US presidents take office and witnessed remarkable human inventions, including the Penny Black postage stamp, the Eiffel Tower, the first skyscraper, and the development of photography and electric lighting. Jonathan’s existence offers a living connection to the 19th century, bridging the past with the present.The oldest chelonian on record is a radiated tortoise (example shown here)Health and daily life of a record-breaking tortoiseDespite his advanced age, Jonathan remains in surprisingly good health. He is virtually blind due to cataracts and has lost his sense of smell, yet he retains excellent hearing and a healthy appetite. Veterinary care, led by St Helena vet Joe Hollins, has ensured his continued well-being, including dietary adjustments to address micro-deficiencies. Jonathan enjoys a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and occasional calorific supplements, with favorites including banana, lettuce hearts, cabbage, cucumber, apple, and carrots. His improved beak condition allows him to graze naturally once more.Among Jonathan’s favourite snacks are lettuce hearts, cucumbers, apples and bananasJonathan’s typical day is relaxed. On sunny days, he stretches his long neck and legs to absorb heat, while on colder days he burrows into leaf mold or grass clippings. He responds to his name at feeding time and enjoys social interactions, particularly with his fellow tortoises, Emma and Fred. Remarkably, he still maintains libido, which indicates robust internal health.Jonathan as a local iconThe residents of St Helena view Jonathan as more than a tortoise; he is a symbol of resilience and continuity. Visitors to the island can observe him and his companions in their naturalistic habitat, though restrictions are in place to prevent disturbances from cruise ship tours. Jonathan’s presence enriches the cultural and natural heritage of St Helena, making him an enduring attraction for tourists and a beloved figure for locals.Legacy and conservation significanceJonathan’s exceptional lifespan draws attention to the longevity of giant tortoises and the importance of conservation. Recent studies suggest there may be around 80 individuals of the Seychelles giant tortoise species worldwide, underscoring the significance of protecting these remarkable reptiles. Jonathan serves as a living testament to careful habitat management, veterinary care, and the potential for animals to thrive well beyond average lifespans.A symbol of endurance and historyAt 187 years old, Jonathan the tortoise continues to fascinate and inspire. His life offers a unique perspective on history, longevity, and the care of giant tortoises. With a daily routine full of grazing, sunbathing, and interaction with humans and fellow tortoises, Jonathan exemplifies the resilience of nature and remains a cherished global icon on the remote island of St Helena.
