Jonathan the tortoise, the world's oldest living land animal, has been named a Guinness World Records Icon at 194 years old.

Jonathan the tortoise, recognized as the world's oldest living land animal, has been awarded the title of Guinness World Records Icon at the age of 194. Born around 1832, Jonathan was brought to St. Helena in 1882 as a fully mature tortoise, estimated to be at least 50 years old at that time.¹³⁴⁶

Over his long life, Jonathan has outlived 31 governors of St. Helena and has become a beloved symbol of the island's resilience and environmental commitment. St. Helena Governor Nigel Phillips remarked, "For Saints, he is a symbol of the enduring resilience of this island and its commitment to protecting the environment."

Guinness World Records considers Jonathan's age a conservative estimate, suggesting he could be even older. The average life expectancy for a Seychelles giant tortoise is around 150 years, meaning Jonathan has surpassed this by decades. He has witnessed nearly two centuries of history, including the advent of photography and the completion of the Eiffel Tower.

Jonathan's health has had its ups and downs, particularly declining in 2009 before being nursed back to health by his veterinarian, Joe Hollins, who stated, "It is extraordinary to think that this gentle giant has outlived every other living creature on land, including of course the whole human race."

Now, Jonathan joins an elite group of record-holders, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Katie Ledecky, as a Guinness World Records icon, further solidifying his place in history.