Jonathan the tortoise is a Guinness World Records ICON! Here is why
You may have seen Jonathan before – he is pretty much a living legend…
To say that this giant tortoise has lived through a lot during his time on this planet could take the record for "largest understatement", if such a record existed, ha!
He’s survived wars and revolutions and was alive before the Internet existed, can you imagine?!
So, how old is he and what records does he hold?
While we don’t know his exact age, Jonathan (or “Jono” as he’s known by locals in the South Atlantic island of St Helena where he lives) is estimated to have been born around 1832, which would mean he is AT LEAST 194 as of 2026. In reality, we think he might already be over 200 years old…
WOW!
In any case, he is the oldest known living land animal today, as well as the oldest tortoise.
That is why we officially named him a Guinness World Records ICON!
Don’t you think he’s iconic?
So what does Jonathan’s day-to-day life look like?
He lives in the gardens of Plantation House – the official residence of St Helena’s governor. As of now, he shares the grounds with 3 other giant tortoises, who keep him company, and his “staff” tend to provide some special treats to bump up his nutrient intake, on top of the natural vegetation in his grazing paddock, about once a week.
He particularly loves apples and bananas, though feeding him the bananas can get a bit messy!
Other than that, he loves munching grass and veggies, causing occasional mischief on the croquet lawn and serving as an informal ambassador for St Helena.
Here at GWR, we have been huge fans of Jonathan for years, and have always been in touch with his caretakers. Very recently, GWR was relieved to find out that after some terrible fake news were spread that Jonathan may have died, it was confirmed that our favourite tortoise is not only alive, but very healthy and happy!
Someone who knows Jono very well is Joe Hollins, who was his vet for almost 10 years and, even though he’s now officially retired, he still likes to visit his ancient pal when he can and has many stories to tell us…
Here is what he told us about Jonathan’s personality:
“He’s a gentleman of a tortoise, probably because of his poor eyesight. When I approach, I softly call his full name to warn him. Hearing this, he usually jerks his head up and starts to bite the air. He definitely recognizes my voice.
“He loves having his neck stroked and extends it fully to get the full benefit; it’s surprising how sensitive his thick leathery skin is, but I also think he enjoys the warmth being a poikilotherm – i.e., cold blooded.
He hisses occasionally as he eats, but it's more a sigh of satisfaction. Plus, he's a prolific burper, much to every visitor's amusement!”
Who knew tortoises can burp?!
About Jonathan being recognised as a Guinness World Records ICON, Joe said:
“It is a wonderful recognition of how marvellous Jonathan is, an exceptional animal, a rare zoological specimen (to put it into dry scientific terms), but to me, a special friend. For a vet there can have been few greater privileges than looking after the oldest known living land animal.”
What a heart-warming story!
Congratulations, Jonathan, you are a true ICON!