Saint Helena, South Atlantic Ocean – April 1, 2026 – Jonathan, the world-famous giant tortoise who held the record as the oldest known land animal, has passed away peacefully on the island of Saint Helena. Sources close to the governor’s residence described the news private as having concerned keepers and household members notified before any formal announcement, prompting immediate confirmation from officials to a small group of trusted locals and members of the international press who reached out. For now, as the island mourns the loss of its most beloved resident, officials and caretakers are respectfully requesting privacy during this difficult time to allow Jonathan’s longtime companions and the community to grieve in peace.
Believed to have been born around 1832 in the Seychelles, Jonathan was transported to Saint Helena in 1882. At that time, he was already fully mature, meaning he had likely lived for at least five decades before even arriving on the island. Over time, he became one of the most recognized and cherished residents of Saint Helena.
A Timeline Unlike Any Other
Jonathan’s life stretched across an extraordinary range of historical moments. From the early 19th century to the modern digital age, he quietly existed through events that reshaped the world.
- When Queen Victoria took the British throne in 1837, Jonathan was still very young
- He lived through major 19th-century conflicts such as the Crimean War and the American Civil War
- By 1879, when Thomas Edison introduced the electric light bulb, Jonathan was already decades old
- Photographs from the late 1800s and early 1900s show him on Saint Helena during the Boer War era
As time moved forward, Jonathan reached remarkable milestones:
- During World War I, he was in his 80s
- By World War II, he had surpassed 100 years of age
Living Through Innovation and Change
Jonathan’s lifetime covered an incredible period of human progress. He witnessed:
- The rise of motor vehicles
- The first successful airplane flights
- Humanity reaching the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969
- The development of computers, the internet, and smartphones
In total, he lived through the leadership of nearly 40 U.S. presidents and saw global changes ranging from empire-building to the digital revolution.
He received the name Jonathan in the 1930s from Governor Sir Spencer Davis. Over the years, he observed more than 30 governors serve on the island.
Health and Peaceful Passing
Even in his final years, Jonathan remained relatively stable. Though he experienced age-related issues such as cataracts and a reduced sense of smell, he continued to eat well and stay active within his environment.
He was cared for by a dedicated team and lived alongside other tortoises, including David, Emma (Emily), and Frederick.
Jonathan passed away naturally during the night, in a calm and familiar setting.
Worldwide Recognition
Following the news of his death, tributes came in from across the globe. Broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, who had previously highlighted Jonathan’s story, praised him as:
“an extraordinary creature who connected us to a distant past and showed the beauty of long life in nature.”
Remembering Jonathan
Plans are being made to honor Jonathan’s legacy in meaningful ways. These include:
- Installing a statue at Plantation House
- Creating a conservation fund dedicated to protecting giant tortoises
His life continues to inspire conservation efforts and awareness about long-living species.
About the Record Holder
Jonathan was part of the Seychelles giant tortoise species (Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa). He achieved global recognition for holding records as:
- The oldest land animal ever documented
- The longest-living tortoise known in history
He was admired for his peaceful nature and could often be seen enjoying the warmth of the sun at Plantation House.
Media Contact
Island Press Office
Saint Helena Government
Email: press@sthelena.gov.sh