While some tourist sites are known for their architectural beauty and others for their rich history, on Saint Helena, a tiny island in the South Atlantic Ocean, one of the most popular attractions is a giant tortoise that has lived for nearly two centuries.
Jonathan the Giant Tortoise
Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise, has been nominated for the Guinness World Records Icons list for 2026. The reason is clear: at about 194 years old, Jonathan holds the titles of the world's oldest-known land animal and the world's oldest turtle.
Estimated to have been born around 1832, Jonathan is much older than many popular world landmarks. His age surpasses the Victorian era, the Tower Bridge in London, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and even the Statue of Liberty in New York. When Jonathan appeared on Earth, photography had not yet been invented, and railways were just beginning to transform transportation.
Life on Saint Helena
Currently, Jonathan lives on Saint Helena, a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. Known for its connection with Napoleon Bonaparte, who was imprisoned there in his final years, Saint Helena has also become famous for Jonathan. The giant tortoise arrived on the island in 1882 and resides in the garden of Plantation House, the official home of the governor of Saint Helena. There, he lives with two other giant tortoises, eating grass and basking in the sun.
Despite his incredible age, Jonathan appears healthy. Local veterinarians report that he has no sense of smell and poor eyesight, but he continues to eat well and stay active. Scientists are studying his DNA to understand the aging process, as his cells seem to age differently from human cells.
Scientific and Cultural Significance
Researchers hope that studying long-lived animals like Jonathan will help unravel the mysteries of aging. For the inhabitants of Saint Helena, however, Jonathan—affectionately known as Jono—is more than a scientific specimen. He is a beloved star and a symbol of a bygone era.
Jonathan's story highlights the remarkable longevity of giant tortoises. While several turtle species are noted for their lifespans, none come close to Jonathan. He has witnessed numerous technological, political, and societal transformations, yet continues to lead an unhurried and unshaken life, embodying strength and perseverance.
A Unique Tourist Attraction
In an age where travel often involves ticking off famous landmarks, Jonathan offers something more: the chance to meet an organism that has silently observed nearly 200 years of events. Visitors to Saint Helena can encounter the oldest terrestrial animal on the planet, reminding us that some of the most memorable tourist moments are those spent with nature.
