Keeping track of the oldest animals in the world is super important, because it helps us figure out what makes some creatures live so much longer!
By studying these wise old animals, scientists can learn all sorts of cool stuff about how bodies work and why we age. 👵
From wise old tortoises to the most elderly pets, let's have a look at the lives of the world's oldest animals…
Jonathan, the oldest land animal
…Starting with Jonathan, who is not only the world’s oldest turtle/chelonian, but also the overall oldest land animal living!
He is at least 192 years old, although we can’t know his precise age, and he’s originally from the Seychelles islands. 🌴
Jonathan lives a happy life on the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena, where he loves the company of humans – especially his vet, Joe Hollins.
Every time Jonathan hears Joe’s voice, he knows a feast is coming! 😋🥕
Peanut, the oldest chicken
A hen named Peanut, from Michigan, USA, was the world’s oldest living chicken at the age of (at least) 20 years and 304 days, as verified on 1 March 2023.
That means that she was born in... 2002! 🤯
What year were you born?
Here are some fun facts about chickens:
- They are the closest living relatives of dinosaurs – yes, really!
- They can have dreams when they sleep, just like us
- They have great memories – that’s lucky for Peanut, since she’s lived for over 2 decades…
Wain, the oldest wombat
Wain, the world’s oldest wombat ever, is 34 and fabulous. 😎
He was rescued from his mother’s pouch after a car accident in November 1989 - therefore, he is at least 34 years 100 days old.
🔎 What are wombats?
They are cute, clever Aussie creatures that can typically live for up to 20 years when in a protected environment...
Well, except for Wain!
Want to know a fun fact about wombats? Their poop is... cube-shaped. 😳🧊
Flossie, the oldest cat
The world’s oldest living cat is 120 in human years! 🙀
Flossie officially received the Guinness World Records title just before turning 27 years old, in November 2022.
Even though she is now deaf and has lost some of her sight, she is still very healthy overall.
She is beautiful, kind and she loves cuddles. ❤️
"She never turns her nose up at the chance of a good meal," Vicki, her current owner, told us.
Dalai, the oldest llama
Dalai became officially the oldest llama ever in 2023, shortly after his 27th birthday!
The average age for a llama is 20 years, meaning Dalai exceeded all expectations. 🦙
His best friend? A Nigerian dwarf goat named Gelato! ❤️
As we discover the world's oldest animals, let’s remember to care for all creatures, and keep spreading kindness wherever you go! 🐾
