Top 5 longest living turtles in the world that span centuries

Turtles are among the longest-living animals on Earth, and some species go much beyond the average lifespans. While most turtles live between 10 to 80 years, certain land tortoises and sea turtles are capable of surviving well beyond a century. Their slow-paced lives, strong bodies, and peaceful lifestyles may hold the secret to their exceptionally long life.
Determining a turtle’s exact age isn’t easy, especially when they have outlived generations of humans. For the oldest among them, age estimates are based on historical records, DNA testing, and biological maturity markers.

Here are a few oldest known turtles in the world

Alagba, an African spur-thighed tortoise, was said to have lived in the royal palace of Ogbomoso, Nigeria, for centuries. In 2019, palace officials announced that Alagba had died at the age of 344 after a brief illness. While her age is widely debated, especially since her species typically lives up to 100 years, many believe multiple tortoises may have been called Alagba over the years. Nevertheless, the legend of Alagba lives on in Nigerian folklore and tradition.

Adwaita, an Aldabra giant tortoise, reportedly lived to be around 255 years old before his death in 2006 at the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata, India. His early life is linked to colonial records, suggesting he may have arrived in India in 1757. His exact age remains debated due to lack of verifiable documentation, still Adwaita’s huge size and long life left a lasting impression on all who saw him during his centuries-spanning life.

Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise, is currently the oldest living land animal in the world. Thought to be born around 1832, Jonathan was brought to Saint Helena Island in 1882, where he still resides today. Declared fully mature in the 1880s, scientists estimate he is now at least 190 years old. Despite his long age, Jonathan continues to enjoy life with caretakers who monitor his health and diet closely.

Gifted to Tonga’s royal family by explorer Captain James Cook in 1777, Tu’i Malila, was a radiated tortoise from Madagascar who lived a long luxurious life within the royal palace. With an estimated age of 189 at her death in 1966, she held the title of the oldest known tortoise for decades. Her preserved body is still displayed in Tonga today.

Harriet, a Galapagos giant tortoise, was believed to have been collected by Charles Darwin during his 1835 voyage to the Galapagos Islands. Estimated to have been born around 1830, she spent much of her long life in Australia, eventually becoming a beloved resident of the Australia Zoo. Weighing around 150 kg, Harriet gained international fame and was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living chelonian before her death in 2006 at the age of 175.