Jonathan, the world’s oldest known tortoise is very much alive

The world’s oldest known tortoise, Jonathan, is still alive despite the death rumours. An account on X that had alleged to belong Joe Hollins, a veterinary doctor who has previously cared for Jonathan, posted that it was “heartbroken to share” that the tortoise had died on the island of St Helena at an estimated age of 193.

Jonathan’s exact age is unknown, but a photograph taken in 1882 shows that he was fully grown when he was first brought to the island – where he lived on the grounds of Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor of St Helena. Experts say this suggests he was about 50 years old by that time.

The giant tortoise met Sir Lindsay in 2024, when he was presented with a Guinness World Record certificate recognising him as the oldest known land animal in the world.