A 194-year-old tortoise, world's oldest land animal, may hold clues to longer life

What it is about

Who published it, and when

How it spread - 9 original reports, 1 reprint

1. Wed, 7 October 2026

   2 reports
   • El País (Spain)18:00first to report
     La tortuga ‘Jonathan’ tiene 194 años y en sus genes se esconden los secretos de la longevidad

     El animal terrestre de mayor edad tiene una combinación de variantes genéticas que le permiten envejecer con mucha más eficacia

   • Channel News Asia18:07
     A 194-year-old tortoise, world's oldest land animal, may hold clues to longer life
2. Thu, 8 October 2026

   3 reports
   • Japan Times00:14
     A 194-year-old tortoise, world’s oldest land animal, may hold clues to longer life

     Jonathan the giant tortoise may owe his longevity to genetic traits and an ability to keep key cellular systems functioning in a more youthful way.

   • Euronews09:53
     Jonathan the tortoise, the world’s oldest living land animal

     At around 194 years old, Jonathan is the world’s oldest living land animal and the oldest tortoise ever recorded.

     1 reprint

     • aol.co.uk8 Oct, 09:53their copy
   • Der Spiegel (Germany)12:57
     Schildkröte Jonathan: 194 Jahre alt, und genetisch aktiv wie ein junges Tier

     Forscher rätseln, wie die Riesenschildkröte Jonathan zum ältesten Landtier der Welt werden konnte. Ein Team entlockte ihm nun genetische Geheimnisse – und hofft, damit eines Tages Menschen länger leben lassen zu können.

3. Wed, 14 October 2026

   1 report
   • globalnews.ca15:00
     Halifax’s beloved 104-year-old tortoise is recovering after a successful surgery

     Believed the be the oldest living gopher tortoise, Gus underwent a procedure to remove a bladder stone on Tuesday.

4. Sun, 18 October 2026

   1 report
   • arkansasonline.com08:33
     Study on 194-year-old tortoise offers clues on extending human longevity

     Jonathan is blind, but the 194-year-old giant tortoise knows it's time to eat when he hears Joe Hollins call his name.

5. Mon, 19 October 2026

   1 report
   • RMF24 (Poland)11:48
     Nawet 200 tysięcy lat. Oto najstarsze żywe organizmy na Ziemi

     Nawet 200 tysięcy lat. Oto najstarsze żywe organizmy na Ziemi

6. Fri, 23 October 2026

   1 report
   • boredpanda.com10:38
     Jonathan, The World’s Oldest Living Tortoise Is Still Enjoying Life On Saint Helena At 194 Years Old

     At approximately 194 years old, Jonathan is the world's oldest living land animal, yet he's still enjoying life on the island of St. Helena. From his favorite vegetables to gentle neck rubs, this remarkable tortoise hasn't lost his appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Now, scientists are studying his DNA to uncover the secrets behind his extraordinary longevity, hoping his biology could offer valuable insights into aging and potentially even human health. Animals