Jonathan the Tortoise, a Seychelles giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa), is recognized as the oldest known living land animal, estimated to be 193 years old as of 2026.Born circa 1832, Jonathan was transported to Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, in 1882.He was named by Governor Sir Spencer Davis in the 1930s and has lived through 31 governors’ terms.Despite his advanced age, Jonathan remains active, spending his days with his mate Frederik, another male tortoise introduced in 1991.

His health has been monitored by Saint Helena’s veterinarian, Joe Hollins, who noted his blindness from cataracts and loss of smell but retained excellent hearing.In 2015, he received a specialized diet to prolong his life.His official birthday, granted by Governor Nigel Phillips in 2022, is December 4.Celebrations for his 190th birthday in 2022 included commemorative stamps and a cake made from his favorite foods.Jonathan’s story highlights the remarkable longevity of tortoises and their role in historical and conservation contexts.