Eldest Surviving Land Creature, Jonathan, a Remarkable 192-Year-Old, Outlived Forty American Presidents
In the sun-drenched islands of Saint Helena, a remarkable resident named Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise, continues to captivate the world. Born around 1832, Jonathan arrived on the South Atlantic island in 1882, making him over 190 years old as of 2024-2025. This makes him the oldest known living land animal, according to Guinness World Records[1].
Jonathan's life on Saint Helena is a testament to his species' unique lifestyle. Seychelles giant tortoises, scientifically known as Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa, typically have a life expectancy of around 150 years, with some individuals known to live significantly longer[2].
The daily routine of these tortoises is a harmony of leisurely activities, centred around grazing on vegetation, sunbathing, and resting. They feed primarily on shrubs, grasses, and leaves, and on mild days, they can be seen basking in the sun with their long necks and legs stretched out, absorbing heat and transferring it to their core[1].
As for Jonathan, he lives a very relaxed life with two other tortoises named Emma and Fred. Despite his deteriorated senses due to cataracts, his appetite remains keen, and he enjoys a varied diet that includes banana, lettuce hearts, cabbage, cucumber, apple, seasonal fruits, carrots, and other foods that are good sources of dietary fibre[3].
Intriguingly, Jonathan is still sexually active and is frequently seen mating with Emma and sometimes Fred. This behaviour is a fascinating aspect of his longevity, as it suggests that his reproductive system is still functioning effectively[4].
On cold winter days, Jonathan burrows into leaf mould or grass clippings and remains there all day, conserving energy. On very hot days, he takes shelter in the shade to regulate his body temperature[5].
Conservation efforts to establish sustainable populations of Seychelles giant tortoises are supported by the fact that young tortoises can be expected to live at least 100 years[3]. The story of Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible lifespan and resilience of these fascinating creatures.
[1] https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/oldest-living-tortoise [2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-54996-z [3] https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/11893/120630345 [4] https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61531404 [5] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/s/seychelles-giant-tortoise/
In the realm of science and animal conservation, the lifespan of Seychelles giant tortoises like Jonathan, such as Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa, is a subject of ongoing study, with their longevity extending far beyond a typical life expectancy of 150 years.[1] On social media and entertainment platforms, the captivating story of Jonathan, the oldest known living land animal, has garnered wide attention for his remarkable life and resilience, shedding light on the fascinating lifestyle and intriguing behaviors of these creatures.[2]
