Shell-abration time! Why long-lived Jonathan the tortoise has been named a GWR ICON
To say that Jonathan the giant tortoise has lived through a lot during his time on this planet could take the record for "largest understatement", if such a category existed.
He’s survived numerous monarchs and political leaders, dodged many wars and revolutions and was alive as many groundbreaking technological and societal milestones transformed the world, from the release of the first postage stamp in 1840 to the switching on of the first incandescent light bulb (1878), through to the first people on the Moon (1969) and the first website (1991).
Of course, most of these things have passed him by as he’s blissfully got along with far more important duties like munching grass and veggies, causing occasional mischief on the croquet lawn and serving as an informal ambassador for the South Atlantic island of St Helena since he arrived there in 1882.
Jonathan (on left) shown with local St Helenians in the 1880s
Based on his full-grown size when he was brought to the remote British overseas territory, Jonathan (or “Jono” as he’s known by locals) is estimated to have hatched from his egg c. 1832, which would mean he is at least 194 as of 2026.
In reality, owing to conservative estimations and the fact it has now been established that this species can actually keep growing until the age of 55, and perhaps beyond, he could well be even older than this, potentially already over 200.
In any case, he is the oldest known living land animal today, which is why he has been honoured among the latest roster of GWR ICONS. See the full set, and previous cohorts, here. While little is known about this record-breaking reptile’s origins prior to his arrival in St Helena, he has since enjoyed a very pleasant existence living in the gardens of Plantation House – the official residence of St Helena’s governor.
According to Emma Phillips, the current governor’s wife (and so current custodian of all the property’s residents, including the four-legged ones), it has been “an honour and a privilege to help look after Jonathan”, though this mantle will soon pass to another as the governor’s term is due to end next year.
As of now, Jonathan shares the grounds with three 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’s particularly partial to apples and bananas, though feeding him the latter can apparently get a bit messy!
It’s safe to say that GWR has never had – and most likely never will have – a more long-lived figure as an ICON than this supercentenarian Seychelles giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa). Unless we one day choose to induct a marine creature like a bowhead whale (the longest-lived mammal), Greenland shark (the longest-lived fish and vertebrate) or a Quahog clam that may well be the oldest animal ever, which have been estimated to have lived up to 211, 392 and 507 years old, respectively. But given their far-more elusive nature, dwelling in the ocean depths, this seems unlikely.
GWR has been keeping tabs on Jonathan for several years and he has made several appearances in previous GWR books as well as on our online channels.
Jonathan meeting Prince Edward in 2024, alongside the current governor, Nigel Phillips and his wife, Emma
Very recently, GWR was relieved to find out that after reports were widely published that Jonathan may have died, it transpired to be a horrible hoax, with new video footage sent directly to us confirming that he was very much alive and kicking.
Someone who knows Jono very well is Joe Hollins, who was his primary vet for almost a decade. Although now officially retired, Joe still makes time to visit his ancient pal when he can and has many stories to tell.
Jonathan receiving his very first "bath" from vet Joe Hollins in 2016
When asked to describe Jono’s personality or any quirky traits, Joe wasn’t short of glowing words, nor amusing anecdotes!: “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!
Not surprisingly, having lived there for more than 140 years, Jono has become “an integral part of Saints’ [as residents of St Helena go by] culture and identity – a symbol of endurance, resilience, persistence and longevity,” Joe explained.
As well as a revered local star to the islanders and a must-take “shell-fie” figure for any tourists, he has also had the honour of meeting many famous dignitaries and celebrities over the decades (or should that be they’ve had the honour to meet Jonathan?!). These include Queen Elizabeth II (when she was still a princess) in 1947, six years before she would become queen, and more recently Prince Edward in 2024.
Discover more record-breaking creatures in our dedicated Animals news page.
Jonathan is such a prominent part of the fabric of St Helena that he has a lot of his own merchandise (everything from plush toys and key rings to postage stamps) and even appears on the island’s coinage (“crammed on to the tiny 5p piece”, as Joe puts it), but more recently he has been given more space to breathe with his likeness adorning the full set of King Charles banknotes that arrived fairly recently to the island.
This is a tremendous honour from a prestigious and famous institution, and it will be loved and treasured by islanders and visitors alike. 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 – Joe Hollins, Jonathan’s former vet on how it feels for him to become a GWR ICON
Over the years caring for such a beloved member of the St Helena community, let alone a VIP record holder, Joe recognized a lot of responsibility was placed on his shoulders. There were occasions where panic set in, when someone thought the worst had come to pass, as was the case when Jonathan was once catching some rays...
“It’s the worst phone call to get,” Joe recounted. “When I dashed down there and found him flat on the ground, legs splayed like a collapsed Greek temple, and his long neck fully stretched out on the grass, it didn’t look good…
“But when I touched him, he jerked awake and I could almost sense his annoyance at having his lovely nap disturbed. I now understand that being cold-blooded when he emerges from the bushes after a chilly night, the fastest way to warm the blood is to expose as much skin as possible to the daytime sunlight as the shell is an insulator in both directions and does not conduct much heat. So yes – he was just sunbathing!”