World's Oldest Tortoise Could Help Foster Healthier Aging In Humans
Researchers found 272 gene-control sites that stayed youthful in Jonathan, a pattern that may help explain why he has lived nearly 200 years.
- On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, researchers published the first genome sequence of Jonathan, the 194-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise, in the journal Science Advances, revealing genetic mechanisms driving his extreme longevity.
- Hatched in about 1832, Jonathan has spent 144 years on St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean after being purchased as a gift, establishing him as the world's oldest known land animal.
- Researchers found that chemical tags near 272 of Jonathan's genes remained tidy, mirroring those of much younger tortoises and suggesting resilience against age-related decline through preserved DNA repair and mitochondrial regulators.
- Stephen Clark, lead author of the study, stated the team aims to translate evolutionary insights into practical treatments for chronic disease, with research supported by the Stephen Voland Research Fund offering a cellular resilience blueprint.
- Scientists caution that the study, which analyzed only five tortoises, remains a hypothesis rather than proven cause of long life, with further testing needed to determine if these genetic patterns truly protect against aging.
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Giant tortoise Jonathan is, according to conservative estimates, at least 194 years old. For the first time, scientists have tried to find out how he became so...
The Independent
The Independent (US)The world’s oldest tortoise could hold the secret to longer life for humans
Jonathan hatched in about 1832 in the Seychelles and is the oldest land animal
Scientists have sequenced their genome for the first time, hoping that the world's oldest terrestrial animal can offer clues about the genetics of longevity.
At 194, Jonathan the giant tortoise knows about aging
Dr. Joe Hollins slides a thick welding glove onto his left hand and grips a cotton swab tightly in his right. He squats down to eye level with a 400-pound giant tortoise, cradles its head with his gloved hand and carefully wedges a finger into its mouth to prop open its razor-sharp beak. With his other hand, he tries to swab its cheek.
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