At 194, Jonathan the tortoise is a Guinness World Records Icon
Guinness World Records has named Jonathan an official ICON and reaffirmed his status as the oldest known living land animal. The 194-year-old tortoise is also drawing scientific interest as researchers study his ageing and DNA.
A tortoise born before the invention of the telephone, before Queen Victoria's reign ended, and decades before the Eiffel Tower was built has just added another remarkable title to his name.
Jonathan, the world's oldest known living land animal, has been officially named a Guinness World Records (GWR) ICON for 2026, cementing his place among some of the most extraordinary record-holders in history.
The Seychelles giant tortoise, who lives on the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean, is believed to have been born around 1832. At an astonishing 194 years old, Jonathan continues to hold two Guinness World Records titles: the oldest living terrestrial animal and the oldest known chelonian, a group that includes turtles and tortoises.
Announcing the honour 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."
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Jonathan's age is difficult to comprehend. He is older than iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower in Paris and London's Tower Bridge. He has also lived through enormous chapters of world history, from the Victorian era to the rise of the internet age.
His longevity has fascinated not just record-keepers but also scientists. Researchers are currently studying Jonathan's DNA and cellular makeup to better understand how he has remained healthy for nearly two centuries. They hope his biology may offer valuable insights into ageing and lifespan.
Despite his record-breaking status, Jonathan's daily routine remains refreshingly ordinary. According to Guinness World Records, he spends his days grazing on grass, enjoying the sunshine, and living a peaceful life on St Helena.
Jonathan's latest recognition places him among the select individuals and animals featured in the Guinness World Records ICONS 2026 list. At 194 years old, the tortoise continues to prove that some records are not just difficult to beat — they are almost impossible to imagine.
A tortoise born before the invention of the telephone, before Queen Victoria's reign ended, and decades before the Eiffel Tower was built has just added another remarkable title to his name.
Jonathan, the world's oldest known living land animal, has been officially named a Guinness World Records (GWR) ICON for 2026, cementing his place among some of the most extraordinary record-holders in history.
The Seychelles giant tortoise, who lives on the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean, is believed to have been born around 1832. At an astonishing 194 years old, Jonathan continues to hold two Guinness World Records titles: the oldest living terrestrial animal and the oldest known chelonian, a group that includes turtles and tortoises.
Announcing the honour 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."
See the post here:
Jonathan's age is difficult to comprehend. He is older than iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower in Paris and London's Tower Bridge. He has also lived through enormous chapters of world history, from the Victorian era to the rise of the internet age.
His longevity has fascinated not just record-keepers but also scientists. Researchers are currently studying Jonathan's DNA and cellular makeup to better understand how he has remained healthy for nearly two centuries. They hope his biology may offer valuable insights into ageing and lifespan.
Despite his record-breaking status, Jonathan's daily routine remains refreshingly ordinary. According to Guinness World Records, he spends his days grazing on grass, enjoying the sunshine, and living a peaceful life on St Helena.
Jonathan's latest recognition places him among the select individuals and animals featured in the Guinness World Records ICONS 2026 list. At 194 years old, the tortoise continues to prove that some records are not just difficult to beat — they are almost impossible to imagine.
