Meet Jonathan, the 191-Year-Old Tortoise

The Seychelles giant tortoise Jonathan has been living its best life on Saint Helena, a small island in the Atlantic and part of the British Overseas Territory, for at least 191 years, making him the oldest living land animal in the world.

“It is extraordinary to think that this gentle giant has outlived every other living creature on land, including, of course, the whole human race,” tells veterinarian Joe Hollins. “Jonathan is in good health and all the indications at present make us hopeful that he will reach his third century – if indeed he hasn’t done so already!”

Jonathan was born around 1832 – his official birthday is December 4 – but experts say he could be older, making him at least 191. Seychelles giant tortoises, or Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa, have an average life expectancy of 150 years. He broke this record as the oldest chelonian – tortoise, turtle, or terrapin – ever documented. Jonathan lives on the lawns of the Plantation House, the official residence of the governor of Saint Helena, with three other tortoise companions, Fred, David, and Emma. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Seychelles giant tortoise’s biggest threat is inbreeding. Indeed, only 37 adult tortoises remained in 2011 – including only one breeding female – but dozens of juveniles of both sexes have been bred in captivity.