Watch This 106-Year-Old Galapagos Tortoise Enjoy a Special Spa Day

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When Fray Tomás de Berlanga first landed on the Galapagos Islands in 1535, he wasn’t impressed by the dry, volcanic landscape. However, he certainly was shocked to see giant tortoises so enormous that a person could ride atop them! These giant tortoises are some of the most iconic creatures in the Galapagos. The islands’ name comes from an old Spanish word ‘galápago’, which refers to the saddle-like shape of the tortoise shells. Originally, there were 14 different giant tortoise species here. Sadly, two are now extinct, including the last Pinta Island tortoise, Lonesome George, who died in 2012. The remaining species live on at least 10 islands, but unfortunately, they are all threatened with extinction. That’s why giant tortoises, like the one you see in this video from JayPrehistoricPets, are well-pampered — especially when they are over 100 years old!

Giants of the Galapagos

Galapagos tortoises are like living dinosaurs. They’re much bigger than other tortoise species — in fact, they are the largest on Earth today! On average, a Galapagos tortoise grows to about 5 feet long, but the largest recorded was nearly 6 feet. Female tortoises are quite impressive, weighing in at around 250 pounds. But males can easily double that, tipping the scales at 600 pounds or more.

Until the 17th century, hundreds of thousands of giant tortoises lived in the Galapagos Islands. However, sailors began capturing the animals for their ships — since the tortoises could go without food or water for months, crews kept them aboard as a living food storage for long journeys.

In addition, when settlers arrived on the islands, they took over the tortoises’ habitats and brought along invasive animals like goats, donkeys, black rats, and pigs. In just a few generations, the tortoise population sank. Today, only about 10% of their original numbers remain. Thankfully, conservation efforts are underway to restore the Galapagos tortoise.

The Diet of a Long-Lived Galapagos Tortoise

Galapagos tortoises spend most days soaking up the sun or chilling in muddy puddles. Their bodies are super efficient with energy expenditure and storage, and they can go an entire year without drinking or eating! But of course, they certainly love to eat. As herbivores, Galapagos tortoises munch on grasses, leaves, flowers, and fruits — and are particularly fond of prickly pear cacti. The tortoise in the video above, for example, was quite happy chowing down on that cucumber. You might have also noticed the tortoise doesn’t have any teeth. Instead, giant tortoises have tough, bony mouths with sharp edges that basically slice and mash their food.

Reptilian Living Legends

Just how long can a Galapagos tortoise live? These giant tortoises are champions of retirement and can easily live to more than 100 years old! In fact, the oldest living tortoise is still going strong.

Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise, is living out his golden years in Saint Helena. As of 2025, he is 192 years old! Jonathan hatched back in 1832. When he was 50 years old, he was given to a governor of Saint Helena, Sir William Grey-Wilson, and has lived at the governor’s “Plantation House” residence ever since. Jonathan’s eyesight and sense of smell aren’t what they used to be, but he’s still spry and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.