This is the oldest living animal in the world

Originally brought to Saint Helena from Seychelles in the late 19th century, Jonathan has witnessed countless historical events, including the invention of electricity, the rise and fall of empires, and the digital age. Despite his age, he remains active and enjoys his days eating, sunbathing, and socializing with other tortoises.

According to the official website of St Helena, Dr Joe Hollins, the veterinarian who has been taking care of Jonathan said he has lost his sense of sight and smell but still recognises his caretakers and enjoys his favourite meals, including bananas, carrots, and lettuce.

Originally brought to Saint Helena from Seychelles in the late 19th century, Jonathan has witnessed countless historical events, including the invention of electricity, the rise and fall of empires, and the digital age (Source: St Helena Island website)

Ming the Clam – The Oldest Animal Ever Recorded

If we include marine animals, the oldest known individual animal ever recorded was Ming the clam, an Icelandic quahog (Arctica islandica), which lived for an estimated 507 years before it was accidentally killed by scientists in 2006 while being studied. Ming, named after the Chinese Ming Dynasty that ruled when it was born, was found in the cold waters near Iceland.

Other record-holding long-lived animals

Several other animals have astoundingly long lifespans:

• Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus) – Estimated to live for 250 to 500 years, this deep-sea predator is believed to be the longest-living vertebrate on the planet. Scientists found a Greenland shark that was estimated to be around 400 years old.
• Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus) – Some bowhead whales have been found to be over 200 years old, making them the longest-living mammals.
• Ocean Quahog Clams – Apart from Ming, other ocean quahog clams have been found to be over 400 years old.
• Rougheye Rockfish (Sebastes aleutianus) – These deep-sea fish can live for over 200 years, making them one of the longest-living fish species.

The remarkable longevity of these animals is often linked to slow metabolisms, deep-sea habitats, or protective shells that help them avoid predators. Some, like the Greenland shark, grow extremely slowly—less than 1 cm per year—allowing them to extend their lifespan far beyond most other animals.

Jonathan the tortoise remains the world’s oldest verified living land animal, while the Greenland shark and bowhead whale are among the longest-living marine creatures still alive today. These remarkable animals remind us of the mysteries and resilience of life on Earth.