Reports of the death of Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, have been confirmed as a cryptocurrency-linked hoax. The 193-year-old tortoise, who resides on the island of St Helena, was falsely reported dead in a social media post that accumulated nearly two million views.
An account on X (formerly Twitter) claiming to be that of veterinarian Joe Hollins, who had worked with the reptile, announced the death of what it called a "gentle giant" that "outlived empires, wars, and generations of humans." The post sparked widespread condolences before being exposed as fraudulent.
It was a hoax. I don't have all those details, I can just assure you that he is very much alive.
"It was a hoax," said Anne Dillon, head of communications on St Helena. "I don't have all those details, I can just assure you that he is very much alive." Hollins later confirmed on Facebook that he doesn't have an X account and described the incident as more than just an April Fool's prank, noting that "the hoaxer is asking for crypto donations. It's a con."
Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise listed by Guinness World Records as the oldest living land animal and oldest tortoise ever, was reportedly still roaming the grounds of the governor's residence on St Helena. He was believed to be about 50 years old when brought to the island in 1882.
the hoaxer is asking for crypto donations. It's a con.
The original post on X has since received a 'context note' warning that the account is soliciting cryptocurrency donations.