Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, is alive and well on the island of St Helena, despite a widespread social media death hoax that was part of an alleged cryptocurrency scam. The 193-year-old Seychelles giant tortoise continues to roam the grounds of Plantation House, the governor's residence, as confirmed by officials who swiftly debunked the false reports.
Social Media Hoax Spreads Rapidly
On April Fool's Day, rumours of Jonathan's demise spread rapidly across social media platforms, particularly on X. A fraudulent account, falsely claiming to be veterinarian Joe Hollins, posted a heartfelt announcement of the tortoise's death, describing him as a "gentle giant" who had "outlived empires, wars, and generations of humans." The post, which garnered nearly two million views, included emotional details about hand-feeding bananas and marveling at his quiet wisdom, urging followers to mourn his passing.
Crypto Scam Motive Revealed
However, the post was quickly exposed as a hoax with a sinister motive. Joe Hollins himself clarified on Facebook that he does not even have an X account and warned that the hoaxer was soliciting cryptocurrency donations, labeling it a con. Anne Dillon, St Helena's head of communications, assured the public that Jonathan is "very much alive," emphasizing the resilience of the beloved tortoise.
Historical Significance and Current Status
Guinness World Records lists Jonathan as the oldest living land animal and oldest tortoise, having hatched in the Georgian era. He was approximately 50 years old when he was brought to St Helena from the Seychelles as a gift in 1882. Governor Nigel Phillips recounted that he received worried messages about Jonathan and personally checked on him, finding the tortoise asleep under a tree in the paddock, confirming his well-being.
St Helena's Unique Heritage
St Helena, a 47-square-mile British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, is part of a territory that includes Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. It is historically renowned as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile after his 1815 defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. The former French emperor died there in 1821, a decade before Jonathan is believed to have taken his first steps, highlighting the tortoise's incredible longevity and the island's rich history.
