UPI – Jonathan, a tortoise holding the title of oldest living land animal, stretched his record to 194 years and achieved Guinness World Records Icon status.

The tracking agency stated Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise residing on St Helena island, was a mature adult of minimum 50 years upon arriving at St Helena from the Seychelles back in 1882. His birth date is projected as 1832 maximum, though experts suspect he could be 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 organisation. GWR Icons are “a select group of record-holders whose achievements have transcended their field and inspired people across the globe”, officials wrote.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin