World's Oldest Tortoise, Jonathan, Is Alive!

Reports circulating on April Fools’ Day regarding the death of Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal, were inaccurate. The 193-year-old tortoise is, in fact, still alive and well on the island of St. Helena.

Hoax Spreads on Social Media

The false information rapidly spread across social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). A fake account impersonating veterinarian Joe Hollins claimed to have announced the tortoise’s passing. The post garnered nearly 2 million views before being debunked.

Veterinarian Confirms Account is Fake

Joe Hollins quickly clarified on Facebook that he does not have an X account and that the announcement was a hoax. He warned that the perpetrator was using the false report to solicit cryptocurrency donations, calling it a “con.”

Jonathan's Remarkable Lifespan

Guinness World Records recognizes Jonathan as the oldest living land animal and the oldest tortoise ever recorded. He is believed to have been approximately 50 years old when he arrived on St. Helena in 1882.

The St. Helena government released a photograph on Thursday showing Jonathan roaming the grounds of the governor’s residence. St. Helena is historically known as the place of exile and death for Napoleon Bonaparte in 1821.

Misinformation and Online Scams

The widespread misinformation led to an outpouring of grief and tributes online, demonstrating the public’s affection for the long-lived reptile. This incident underscores the ease with which false information can spread online, especially during events like April Fools’ Day.

The hoax leveraged a seemingly credible source – a veterinarian – to gain traction. This highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it, particularly online. The incident also revealed a related cryptocurrency scam preying on those saddened by the false news.

Jonathan’s story is more than just an animal interest piece; it represents history, longevity, and resilience. His life has spanned significant human events, making him a unique living historical figure.