Jonathan the – Jonathan, the elderly tortoise who was falsely declared dead on April Fools’ Day, is still alive—and on June 17 he was named a Guinness World Records Icon. Guinness said the “conservative estimate” points to an age of at least 194 years, while Saint Helena off
For weeks, the claim lingered online: Jonathan the tortoise was dead. Then, on June 17, Guinness World Records moved the story forward with a quieter, harder-to-ignore update—Jonathan is not only still alive, he has been recognized again.
In a Guinness World Records video posted on the social media platform X, the ancient tortoise appears to glance at the Guinness World Records Icon award and then immediately goes back to business. Later in the clip, Jonathan is seen munching carrots.
Guinness said Jonathan was named a Guinness World Records Icon on June 17. The organization described him as the oldest living land animal, born before 1832, putting his age at at least 194 years. Guinness also estimated that a Seychelles giant tortoise brought to the South Atlantic island of St. Helena—when he was at least 50 years old in 1882—may be even older than that figure suggests. calling the age a “conservative estimate.”.
Guinness added that the average life expectancy of Jonathan’s species is 150.
Jonathan’s story reaches far beyond one viral rumor. Guinness said the tortoise was a gift to the future governor of St. Helena, a British Overseas Territory. He has lived on the grounds of the governor’s residence, the Plantation House mansion, according to Smithsonian magazine.
The timeline reads like something out of a time capsule. Guinness noted Jonathan was stalking the planet before the first photographs were made in 1838 and before telephone calls were made in 1876, long before the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1887.
That mismatch—between claims on social media and evidence in the form of a living animal—was already exposed earlier this year. Amid April Fools’ Day, false claims of Jonathan’s death spread on social media. Guinness said it did not seem to affect him. “Ol’ Jono. ” as he is referred to locally. “happily spends his days with three other tortoises in the gardens of the Governor’s residence. eating grass and basking in the sunshine. ” Guinness said.
Saint Helena Gov. Nigel Phillips also addressed Jonathan’s presence directly in a news release. saying: “He happily spends his days with three other tortoises in the gardens of the Governor’s residence. eating grass and basking in the sunshine.” Phillips added: “Jonathan has met royalty. starred in wedding photographs. and delighted tourists. 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.”.
The Guinness World Records Icon designation is meant for more than a single headline moment. Guinness said the award places Jonathan in a select group of record-holders whose achievements have “transcended their field and inspired people across the globe.”
As part of the same June 17 announcement. Guinness World Records also named other Icons—humans this time—John Cena. Blackpink and Christina Koch. In the news release. Craig Glenday. editor in chief at Guinness World Records. said: “We’re proud to call these extraordinary individuals GWR ICONS. Here are record holders who’ve transcended their records to become part of global culture. It’s not always about celebrating that single superlative moment… with the ICONS. it’s about recognizing and honouring the long-lasting impact these inspirational people leave on the world.”.
For Jonathan, the point has become almost stubbornly simple: after the April Fools’ Day death hoax, the record holder remains in view—still alive, still moving, still eating—this time with a new badge hanging behind him.
Jonathan tortoise Guinness World Records Icon St. Helena Seychelles giant tortoise Nigel Phillips April Fools' Day hoax Guinness June 17