Jonathan Becomes World’s Oldest Known Land Animal

Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise classified as Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa, is estimated to be 194 years old in 2026. He is recognised as the world’s oldest known living land animal and lives on the grounds of Plantation House in Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Seychelles Giant Tortoise

The Seychelles giant tortoise is a large tortoise species native to the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The scientific name Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa is used for a Seychelles giant tortoise lineage associated with the Aldabra and Seychelles tortoise group.

Age Estimation and Historical Record

Jonathan’s age is estimated from his arrival on Saint Helena in 1882, when he was recorded as fully mature and at least 50 years old. This estimate places his birth year around 1832, and Governor Nigel Phillips granted him an official birthday of 4 December 1832 in November 2022.

Guinness World Records and Saint Helena

On 17 June 2026, Jonathan was named a Guinness World Records Icon. Plantation House is the official residence of the Governor of Saint Helena, and Jonathan has lived there for decades.

Important Facts for Exams

• Jonathan is a tortoise, and tortoises belong to the order Testudines.
• Saint Helena is a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.
• Guinness World Records maintains records for age, longevity, and other measurable achievements.
• Jonathan has lived through 31 governors’ terms on Saint Helena.

Health and Public Record

Jonathan has lost his eyesight due to cataracts and has also lost his sense of smell, but he retains excellent hearing. In April 2026, the Saint Helena government confirmed that he was alive after a social media hoax claimed that he had died.

Notable Encounters

Jonathan met Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, in January 2024. His long lifespan places him among the best-known individual tortoises in modern zoological records.