Multiple reports indicate that a death hoax about Jonathan the tortoise fooled many people, including news publications. The Friends of the British Overseas Territories revealed the death report was a con, and Governor Nigel Phillips confirmed Jonathan was alive and well. This misinformation quickly gained traction across social media platforms before being debunked.
Jonathan is the world's oldest known tortoise, estimated to be 190-193 years old. He is also believed to be the world's oldest living land animal, a status recognized by Guinness World Records. His remarkable age has made him a global icon of longevity and resilience.
Historical records show Jonathan was brought to St Helena from the Seychelles in the 1880s, with specific evidence pointing to 1882. He resides on the grounds of Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor of St. Helena.
The hoax might have caught people out because it tugged at the heartstrings.
This location has been his home for over a century, where he is cared for by local authorities. The hoax involved a sophisticated crypto scam where a fake X profile posed as Jonathan's former vet, Joe Hollins, posting that Jonathan had passed away peacefully. According to research from three sources, the scammer used this account to gather donations and promote the meme coin $JONATHAN.
The fake Hollins account allegedly scammed the person running the $JONATHAN account, who donated £2,450 worth of cryptocurrency, as reported by major media outlets. Financial impacts of the scam extended beyond mere misinformation, with the fake Hollins account tricking the $JONATHAN account operator into donating cryptocurrency. This incident highlights how digital cons can exploit emotional appeals for financial gain.
The exact total losses from the scam remain unclear, but it demonstrates the vulnerability of online communities to coordinated fraud. Official verification came swiftly when the real Joe Hollins checked on Jonathan and found him in fine health with fantastic hearing and a good appetite. According to Daily Mail - News, Joe Hollins described the hoax as disturbing because the scammer imitated his speech style from interviews and his book.
I found it disturbing that the scammer imitated my speech style from interviews and my book.
This personal mimicry added a layer of credibility to the false claims, making them more convincing to unsuspecting followers. Jonathan's current health includes blindness from cataracts and a loss of his sense of smell, but he maintains excellent hearing, according to veterinarian Joe Hollins. These age-related conditions have not significantly impacted his overall well-being.
His caretakers report that he continues to enjoy his daily routines and favorite foods. Jonathan's exact age is not known, but an image from 1882 suggests he was fully grown and around 50 at that time. This historical evidence supports estimates that he is approximately 190 years old today.
Discrepancies exist in precise age reporting, with some sources citing 190 years and others 193 as of 2026, affecting media accuracy about his record. In November 2022, Governor Nigel Phillips granted Jonathan an official birthday of 4 December. That same year, local residents arranged a three-day birthday celebration for Jonathan, including a cake made from his favourite foods.
Jonathan died on Wednesday aged 193, as reported by Joe Hollins on social media.
Confusion arises from conflicting details, as it was also proposed to celebrate Jonathan's 190th birthday from 2nd to 4th December with a festival at Plantation House on the 4th, sanctioned by Executive Council and Governor Nigel Phillips. Reactions to the hoax involved authorities and conservation groups working to debunk it, with the Friends of the British Overseas Territories and Governor Nigel Phillips leading efforts to confirm Jonathan's vitality. According to Daily Mail - News, Joe Hollins described the scam as potentially effective because it tugged at the heartstrings.
These coordinated responses aimed to prevent further spread of false information and protect Jonathan's legacy. This incident underscores the vulnerability of online information ecosystems to manipulation and the potential for financial exploitation through emotional narratives. Scammers often leverage high-profile figures or events to create convincing falsehoods that can mislead even reputable sources.
The case of Jonathan illustrates how digital platforms can amplify hoaxes rapidly before verification occurs. Key unknowns persist, including the identity of the scammers behind the fake X account and the full extent of financial losses incurred by victims. It is unclear what specific actions, if any, are being taken by authorities to investigate or prosecute those responsible.
These gaps highlight challenges in tracking and addressing online fraud across jurisdictions. Additional uncertainties surround Jonathan's exact age beyond current estimates and whether future birthdays will be officially celebrated on set dates. His health status, while reported as good, may change with age, and plans for commemorations depend on local initiatives and official endorsements.
These factors contribute to ongoing public interest in his well-being.