How Long Do Tortoises Live?

Tortoises are renowned for their impressive life spans, as some species live for more than 60 years. This longevity is a result of adaptations such as a slow metabolism and protective shells, which help them avoid predators and conserve energy.

Captivity can significantly extend a tortoise’s life span. Some individuals reportedly have lived for 100 to 250 years. This extended life span is often attributed to the controlled environments and consistent care provided, which reduce the risks of predation and environmental hazards. For instance, Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise residing on Saint Helena, is the world’s oldest living terrestrial animal, having been hatched in the early 1830s and cared for by humans since the 1880s. Adwaita, an Aldabra giant tortoise who lived at the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata, was believed to have been between 150 and 255 (or even more) years old when he died in 2006.

Despite these impressive numbers, verifying the exact age of tortoises can be challenging. In some cases, records of tortoises’ ages have been questioned because of inconsistencies, such as changes in the reported sex or species of the tortoise over time. These discrepancies suggest that some claims of extreme longevity might be due to replacements or errors in record-keeping. Nonetheless, the potential for tortoises to live for more than a century remains well supported, especially when they are provided with a nurturing and protective environment.