As of 2022, Jonathan, a giant tortoise, became the world’s oldest living tortoise and land animal. He’s believed to have been born in 1832, but that estimate is not exact. Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise, which usually lives for around 150 years. Previously, the oldest tortoise ever to live was Tu’i Malila, who lived to be 188 years old.
According to Guinness World Records, Jonathan is currently living on the island of St. Helena. He’s been on the island since 1882, which is when he was about 50 years old. This year, he’s turning 191 years old, and his long term vet, Joe Hollins, says Jonathan is very healthy and has “no signs of slowing down.” UPI states that in an interview with Guinness World Records, Hollins said that Jonathan continues to have a strong appetite, despite losing his sense of smell and sight from cataracts. He’s hand fed once a week with a dish of fruits and vegetables. Guinness World Records says that Jonathan likes to take warm sun baths and stretch out his neck and limbs.
There are a few adaptations that have allowed Jonathan to live this long. Jacksonville Zoo suggests that the slower the heart rate of an animal, the longer it lives. A giant tortoise has a heart rate of 10 beats per minute, and Jonathan has lived for almost 200 years. For comparison, an animal with a heart rate of 1200 beats per minute only lives for a few months. In addition, giant tortoises also have traits that help with DNA repair and cancer-suppressing cells.
Still, Jonathan is a strong tortoise that has lived through many global events and three separate centuries. He will hopefully continue to live a carefree life for many years to come.
