The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise living on St Helena, is estimated to be about 194 years old in 2026. That is an estimate, not a verified age: his birth date is unknown. St Helena’s government said on 2 April 2026 that he was alive and well, but did not publish a detailed veterinary examination.
How old is Jonathan the tortoise?
Guinness World Records estimates that Jonathan was born around 1832. On that estimate, he is about 194 in 2026. No exact birth date or birth record is known, so “194” describes an approximate age rather than a confirmed count of birthdays.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The estimate is based on his documented arrival in St Helena in 1882. Guinness says he was already fully mature when he arrived—at least about 50 years old. That maturity-based estimate places his birth around 1832.
Why is Jonathan called the world’s oldest tortoise?
Guinness World Records identifies Jonathan as a Seychelles giant tortoise, Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa, and recognizes him as the oldest known living terrestrial animal and the oldest tortoise. The distinction is a record based on the best available age estimate, not proof of his precise birth year.
#1 Best Overall
- 15.5" Length.
- No plastic pellets or bean bag filler.
- Cute, soft and squeezable.
- High quality. Detailed realistic design.
- Designed in the USA by Adore Plush Company.
Earlier coverage used earlier ages: Guinness described Jonathan as 190 in 2022, and a Washington Post account published on 1 January 2024 described him as 191 under the age estimate then in use. Those dated figures should not be mistaken for his current estimated age.
Is Jonathan still alive?
Yes. On 2 April 2026, the St Helena Government said Jonathan was alive and well, after a false social-media post claimed he had died. The Associated Press independently reported the confirmation. Government communications head Anne Dillon told the AP that day: “I can just assure you that he is very much alive.”
Rank #2
- Crawl into action with this tortoise plush toy with a checkered shell, bulging head and cuddly feet in a standing stance.
- Barnyard fun just got better with this realistic stuffed animal tortoise that is ideal for birthday gifts for kids and toddler toys.
- Small stuffed animals for kids with a farm-inspired flair bring hours of fun day or night and perfect Christmas gifts for kids.
- Kids toys with durable stitching and colorful patterns make this cute tortoise stuffed animal the perfect companion for all ages.
- Combining play with Earth-sustaining practices, The Petting Zoo is committed to providing little ones with cute and cuddly plush toys that are made from recycled water bottles.
The AP reported that the account spreading the false death claim impersonated an official source and sought cryptocurrency donations. For updates, rely on St Helena Government channels rather than viral posts: St Helena Government.
Where does Jonathan live?
Jonathan lives at Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor of St Helena. He was brought to the island from the Seychelles in 1882 and has spent most of his life there. Government event material has referred to a tortoise viewing corridor, but the available official material does not establish current visiting hours, booking requirements, or guaranteed public access. Check current official visitor information before planning a visit.
Rank #3
- 28-inch giant green sea turtle stuffed animal made of ultra-soft plush and high-density PP cotton, providing a cozy and huggable feeling.
- Adorable realistic design with vivid green shell and cute details, perfect for playing, snuggling and decorating.
- Multi-use as a body pillow, cushion, nap companion and room decoration for bedroom, living room and playroom.
- Safe and skin-friendly, no small parts or harmful chemicals, suitable for kids and people of all ages.
- Ideal gift for kids, boys, girls, girlfriend and sea animal lovers on birthday, Valentine’s Day and holidays.
What does “still thriving” mean in the available reports?
The government’s 2 April 2026 update said Jonathan was alive and well, but provided no detailed clinical findings. It is therefore accurate to report that official confirmation of his well-being was given on that date; it is not evidence of a newly published veterinary examination.
A Washington Post report from 1 January 2024 recounted observations by former veterinarian Joe Hollins, including cataracts, a crumbly beak, and thin hide when Hollins began caring for Jonathan, as well as dietary support. Those are historical observations from that account, not a current diagnosis or a description of his condition in 2026.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SEA TURTLE: Our irresistibly adorable plush turtle, meticulously crafted with love by Athoinsu ! This cuddly companion is the perfect gift for anyone - men, women, and children alike. Whether it's Christmas, Valentine's Day, or any other occasion, this soft and huggable turtle is guaranteed to bring endless joy and comfort. Snuggle up with our plush tortoise and make every moment unforgettable.
- REALISTIC OCEAN ANIMAL: Our sea turtle stuffed animal is a realistic toy and is designed with beautiful markings and lifelike details. We pay more attention to the image design, so the scutes of this sea turtle is vivid and lively. It looks like a real one, it’s so cute and we believe you will love it.
- A GOOD TOY FOR KIDS: Many children like marine organism very much and want to visit aquarium. The sea turtle plush toy can help you to create an undersea world for your kids, they will love it very much. This stuffed turtle can help your kids know more about sea turtle. Kids can treat this cute toy as their friend and they can share their thoughts with it and tell stories to it.
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: This turtle plush toy pillow is made of superior materials. The soft polyester fabric makes it both huggable and durable. This toy is stuffed with environmental PP cotton, which is a premium kind of fibre. It is light and highly elastic. The toy is very soft and squeezable, thus it also can be used as a pillow and release your stress.
- CONSIDERATIONS: We need to pay attention to the way of washing. To extend its life time, we advise that you should wash it by hand and don’t scrub. Put it under the blazing sun and ventilate it for quite a long time. If you have any problems with the product, please contact us though Amazon message. We will reply as soon as possible and we will try our best to help you.
Rank #4
- SHELL-TASTIC FRIEND: Meet your new cuddly companion—a Galapagos tortoise stuffed animal with a vibrant, colorful shell and adorable protruding head.
- HANDMADE HARMONY: Carefully handcrafted with love, this stuffed animal turtle offers exceptional quality and soft, huggable materials for endless comfort.
- WILDLY EDUCATIONAL: Inspire young minds with this nature toy, an educational and fun way for kids to explore the wonders of the Galapagos.
- IMAGINATIVE ESCAPES: Promote screen-free fun with this cute plushie tortoise, encouraging creative play and fostering a love for wildlife conservation.
- EARTH-SUSTAINING PRACTICES: The Petting Zoo is committed to providing little ones with cute and cuddly plush toys crafted with recycled filling.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
