St Helena

Jonathan, a giant tortoise living on the island of St Helena, is the oldest known living land animal at roughly 192 years of age. A new study, highlighted by Yale Environment 360, examines his biology for clues to his remarkable longevity, drawing attention to what tortoise ageing may reveal about the science of growing old.

Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise believed to be the world's oldest known living land animal at over 190 years old, is back in discussion over how he has lived so long. Commentators point to his simple routine on the island of St Helena: a steady diet of grass and vegetables, gentle exercise, and a quiet, stable life. Many are sharing his story as a lighthearted lesson in longevity, noting he has lived through more than a dozen British monarchs.

Researchers have sequenced the genome of Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise on St Helena believed to be around 194 years old and the oldest known land animal. Scientists hope his DNA will reveal genetic factors behind extreme longevity and healthy aging, drawing wide public fascination with the tortoise who has lived through two centuries of history.

Jonathan, a giant tortoise believed to be the world's oldest living land animal at around 193 years old, is the subject of new scientific research into why he shows so few signs of aging. Interest surged after a false report of his death circulated, followed by confirmation he is alive and well on the island of St Helena, where scientists hope his longevity could reveal secrets relevant to human aging.

Jonathan, a giant tortoise living on the South Atlantic island of St Helena, has reached the age of 194, making him the oldest known land animal alive. The New York Times revisited his story, noting that his long life offers a rare living perspective on aging. Jonathan hatched around 1832, before modern inventions such as the telephone, and remains a celebrated local icon on the island.