At 194, Jonathan is the world's oldest tortoise!

From Guinness World Records

This week, we announced that 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.

Currently lounging on the South Atlantic island of St. Helena, this remarkable specimen is the oldest known turtle/chelonian ever. If that doesn’t sound impressive enough, he is also the oldest-known terrestrial animal, predating even the Victorian Age, London’s Tower Bridge and Paris’s Eiffel Tower.

"It is extraordinary to think that this gentle giant has outlived every other living creature on land, including of course the whole human race," says Joe Hollins, veterinarian at St. Helena.

Jonathan resides on the grounds of Plantation House, the Governor's official residence on Saint Helena island.

Jonathan on his birthday two years ago.

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