Jonathan, a giant tortoise living on the island of St Helena, has once again made history. Guinness World Records (GWR) has named him an official ICON and confirmed that he remains the world’s oldest known living land animal.
Believed to have been born around 1832, Jonathan is now 194 years old. His remarkable age means he has lived through major events and landmarks that appeared long after he was born, making him one of the most extraordinary animals ever recorded.
Guinness World Records Honours Jonathan
Sharing the news on X, Guinness World Records wrote, “Jonathan the tortoise is officially a Guinness World Records ICON. 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.”
Jonathan has been inducted into the Guinness World Records ICONS list for 2026. He holds two major records: the oldest-known terrestrial animal and the oldest turtle, also known as a chelonian.
He Is Older Than Famous Landmarks
Jonathan’s age has amazed people around the world because he was born long before many famous structures were built.
According to Guinness World Records, he is older than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, London’s Tower Bridge, and even the Victorian era. He lives on St Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Despite being nearly 200 years old, Jonathan continues to spend his days relaxing in the gardens of the Governor’s residence alongside three other tortoises.
Jonathan the tortoise is officially a Guinness World Records ICON ✨
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
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) June 17, 2026
His Health Still Surprises Experts
Guinness World Records said Jonathan remains in good condition for his age. Although he has lost his sense of smell, local veterinarians say he still has a healthy appetite.
Researchers are also interested in studying him because his cells do not appear to change in the same way as human cells. His DNA is currently being examined to understand whether it could offer clues about ageing and long life.
However, Jonathan seems unbothered by his global fame. According to Guinness World Records, he enjoys a simple life of eating grass and spending time in the sunshine.
Experts And Social Media Celebrate His Milestone
Speaking about the tortoise, veterinarian Joe Hollins said, “It is extraordinary to think that this gentle giant has outlived every other living creature on land, including of course the whole human race” as quoted by GWR.
Guinness World Records also shared another post celebrating the achievement, writing, “Still here. Still iconic” and noting that Jonathan now joins other Guinness World Records ICONS, including Usain Bolt, Dolly Parton and Super Mario.
The organisation added that Jonathan continues to live on St Helena, where he remains the oldest known living land animal at 194 years of age.
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