From Dailymail · · 3m
Jonathan the giant tortoise celebrates 195th birthday
Scientists find clues to human longevity in 195-year-old tortoise.
In brief
Scientists find clues to human longevity in 195-year-old tortoise. Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, has cells that appear younger than his 195 years despite his age. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Jonathan's age mystery
Jonathan, the world's oldest known living land animal, was born before Queen Victoria came to the throne and has long spent his days on the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena.
Scientists discover youthful cells
Researchers found signs that parts of Jonathan's cells appear far younger than his estimated age of 194 years despite his remarkable age.
Genome sequencing reveals clues
Scientists sequenced Jonathan's genome using DNA collected from a cheek swab by his vet, Dr Joe Hollins, and published results in the journal Science Advances.
Mitochondria show youthful patterns
Jonathan's mitochondria, which supply cells with energy, showed patterns more like those of much younger tortoises than older animals.
DNA repair and telomeres
The study identified differences in DNA repair and telomere maintenance, protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age.
Longevity genes shared with naked mole rats
Jonathan shares some genes with naked mole rats, which can live to 40 years and rarely develop cancer.
Vet's DNA collection challenge
Dr Hollins had to hold Jonathan's head with a thick welding glove and carefully prop open his sharp beak to swab the inside of his cheek.
Fake death scam in 2024
In April 2024, a fake account on X posing as Dr Hollins claimed Jonathan had died, asking for cryptocurrency donations.
Governor confirms Jonathan's health
St Helena's governor, Nigel Phillips, checked on Jonathan after being contacted by the Guardian and found him asleep beneath a tree.
Jonathan's health and age
Despite cataracts and loss of smell, Jonathan retains excellent hearing and a strong libido, suggesting his health is better than his age suggests.
Vet's care improvements
When Dr Hollins took over his care in 2009, Jonathan was struggling to forage and had a soft, crumbling beak that improved with regular hand-feeding.
Scientists caution about environment
Scientists warn that Jonathan's protected surroundings, fresh vegetables, and veterinary care could also explain his exceptional age.
Longevity research potential
Steve Austad, a biologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, says each long-lived species has special tricks that may help humans resist aging.
Jonathan's historical significance
Jonathan welcomed the future Queen Elizabeth II, George VI, and the Queen Mother to St Helena in 1947, showing his long history with British royalty.
Birth year estimate
Jonathan's estimated birth year is 1832, before Queen Victoria took the throne and before Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands.
What happens next
Scientists will continue studying Jonathan's biology to find clues that could help humans live longer.
What matters most
Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, has cells that appear younger than his 195 years despite his age.
