June 17 (UPI) — The world’s oldest living land animal, a tortoise named Jonathan, extended his record to 194 years and was officially named a Guinness World Records Icon.
The record-keeping organization said Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise living on the island of St. Helena, was a full-grown adult of at least 50 years when he arrived at St. Helena from the Seychelles in 1882. His birth year is estimated to be 1832 at the latest, but researchers believe he might be even older.
“Jonathan the tortoise is a beloved resident of St. Helena,” St. Helena Governor Nigel Phillips told Guinness World Records. “He has met royalty, starred in wedding photographs, and delighted tourists. But for Saints, he is a symbol of the enduring resilience of this island and its commitment to protecting the environment. It is entirely appropriate that he has as his home the paddock of the Governor’s Residence. He is very much the brightest icon of this jewel in the South Atlantic.”
Jonathan, aka Jono, has lost his vision and sense of smell but he continues to eat, sunbath and mate, his caretakers said.
Jonathan has now been named a Guinness World Records Icon by the record-keeping organization. GWR Icons are “a select group of record-holders whose achievements have transcended their field and inspired people across the globe,” officials wrote.
