The year was 1832 — and Jonathan the tortoise had just emerged into the world as a tiny hatchling.

It’s hard to imagine how different life was nearly two centuries ago. The lightbulb had yet to be invented, automobiles were still decades away, and many of the modern conveniences we take for granted were not even dreams yet. But Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise, has witnessed nearly two centuries of human history — and he’s still going strong.

This past weekend, Jonathan celebrated his 190th birthday on the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean, where he has lived since the late 1880s. To mark the occasion, his caretakers threw him a special celebration, complete with a “birthday cake” made entirely of fresh vegetables — his favorite.

Despite the passing of time and the rapid pace of change in the world around him, Jonathan continues to enjoy a peaceful, comfortable life on the grounds of the historic governor’s mansion on the island.

A Gentle Giant With a Legendary Life

Teeny Lucy, chairperson of the local SPCA and one of Jonathan’s devoted caretakers, has spent years looking after him. She and a small team regularly visit the elderly tortoise, ensuring he receives a nutritious diet and plenty of attention.

“Jonathan is an icon here,” Lucy told The Dodo in a 2019 interview. “He is a grand old gentleman who has seen it all. He landed on St. Helena in 1882 as a fully grown adult; he has seen generations of people coming and going.”

Back then, he was already considered mature — which means his exact age is somewhat uncertain, but 190 is the most widely accepted and verified estimate. That extraordinary lifespan has earned him the Guinness World Record title of the oldest known living land animal on Earth.

Life Among Friends on the Island

Jonathan shares his home with three other giant tortoises: David (who is 82 years old), Emma, and Fred. Among them, he is by far the oldest — outliving even the second-oldest by over a century.

Though Jonathan is likely completely blind and has lost his sense of smell, he navigates his surroundings remarkably well. He spends his days lounging in the sunshine, slowly munching on grass, and relaxing with his tortoise companions under the warm island skies.

“In spite of his age, Jonathan still has good libido and is seen frequently to mate with Emma and sometimes Fred,” said Joe Hollins, one of Jonathan’s veterinarians, in a statement to Guinness World Records. “Animals are often not particularly gender-sensitive,” he added, noting that Jonathan still demonstrates typical tortoise behaviors despite his advanced age.

A National Treasure and Local Celebrity

Jonathan isn’t just a beloved pet — he’s practically royalty on St. Helena. His image is even featured on the island’s five pence coin, a tribute to the deep affection the community holds for him.

“Being the oldest land animal in the world, he has almost royal status here,” Lucy said. “He is dignified and interacts in a friendly way as long as people move slowly around him. We are all very fond of him.”

And while Jonathan may not understand the fanfare surrounding him, he seems to appreciate the attention — especially when it comes with a side of cabbage, cucumber, carrots, or seasonal fruit, all of which are among his favorite snacks.

“He knows my voice and he knows the vet’s voice and reacts by walking toward us,” Lucy said. “It’s all about the food!”

A Second Wind in His Golden Years

A few years ago, Jonathan began showing signs of health issues. He had lost weight, and his beak — the part of his mouth used for cutting grass — had become soft and brittle. Island veterinarians suspected that a lack of warmth and proper nutrition might be contributing to his decline.

That’s when Lucy and her team implemented a new weekly feeding routine, supplementing his natural grass diet with nutrient-rich vegetables and fruit.

“We started feeding Jonathan on a weekly basis a few years ago to supplement his grass diet and boost his nutrition,” Lucy explained. “All that has reversed now, and he is as fit as a fiddle!”

Today, Jonathan seems as healthy as can be for a 190-year-old animal. He continues to thrive in his peaceful environment, surrounded by caretakers who adore him and a public that celebrates him as a living link to the past.

More Than Just a Tortoise

Jonathan is more than just a remarkable tortoise — he’s a symbol of endurance, resilience, and the simple beauty of a slow-paced life. In a world that has evolved beyond imagination since the 1800s, Jonathan has remained a quiet, steady presence.

His story reminds us that longevity isn't just about years — it’s about the life lived within them. And for Jonathan, that life has been full of sunshine, friendship, and cabbage.