World's Oldest Tortoise Jonathan Alive, Death Reports Debunked as Crypto Scam
Reports claiming the death of Jonathan, the world's oldest known tortoise, have been confirmed as false after a widely shared social media post caused confusion and drew significant media attention. The claim originated from an account on X impersonating veterinarian Joe Hollins, who has previously cared for Jonathan on the island of St Helena.
Social Media Hoax Triggers Widespread Concern
The post, written in an emotional tone, alleged that Jonathan had died, describing his supposed passing and reflecting on years of care, including feeding and observing the animal. It quickly gained traction online, leading to widespread concern among followers and animal enthusiasts globally. However, it was later discovered that the account behind the post originated outside St Helena, raising immediate doubts about its authenticity.
In a Facebook post, Joe Hollins shared a screenshot of the message and warned that it was a hoax. He stated that the individual behind the fake account was attempting to seek cryptocurrency donations and urged people not to fall for the scam. Hollins later clarified to USA Today, as cited by the BBC, that the account was fake and the claim was incorrect.
Official Confirmations Dismiss False Reports
"Jonathan the tortoise is very much alive," Hollins said, adding, "I believe on X the person purporting to be me is asking for crypto donations, so it's not even an April Fool joke. It's a con." Nigel Phillips, Governor of St Helena, also dismissed the reports, confirming in an X post that Jonathan is "alive." These official statements have helped quell the misinformation and reassure the public about the tortoise's well-being.
Jonathan's Remarkable Longevity and Records
Jonathan's exact age remains uncertain, but historical evidence suggests he has lived for close to two centuries. A photograph from 1882 shows him already fully grown when he arrived on St Helena, indicating he was well established at the time. He has since lived on the grounds of Plantation House, the official residence of the island's governor.
Jonathan holds two Guinness World Records, recognized as the oldest living land animal and the oldest chelonian, a group that includes turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. He has been assigned an unofficial birthdate of December 4, 1832, by the current Governor of St Helena, according to reports. Weighing around 182 kilograms, Jonathan continues to be a symbol of resilience and longevity.
Insights from Caretaker and Current Health
Speaking to The Washington Post in May 2024, Hollins said, "It astounds me to think there is no living creature on the surface of this planet that was in existence before him." Over the years, Jonathan has lost his sense of smell and vision, but he continues to move around using his sense of hearing, demonstrating his adaptability despite age-related challenges.
This incident highlights the dangers of social media misinformation and scams, particularly those exploiting emotional topics for financial gain. Authorities and caretakers emphasize the importance of verifying information through official channels to avoid falling victim to such hoaxes.
