Jonathan the Tortoise: The Hoax of His Death and the Crypto Scam Behind It

On April 1, 2026, news outlets including the BBC and USA Today reported the death of Jonathan, the world's oldest known land animal, a Seychelles giant tortoise estimated to be 193 years old. The announcement originated from a fraudulent X account impersonating his veterinarian, Joe Hollins, claiming, “Heartbroken to share that our beloved Jonathan... has passed away today peacefully on Saint Helena.” This post garnered significant attention, amassing over two million views before being debunked.

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Following the viral post, Governor of Saint Helena, Nigel Phillips, confirmed that Jonathan was alive and well, stating, “Jonathan is asleep under a tree in the paddock.” The real Joe Hollins, who does not have an X account, clarified the situation, labeling the announcement a “hoax” and a “con” that was soliciting cryptocurrency donations. He urged the public to disregard the false claims and emphasized that Jonathan remains healthy, despite being blind from cataracts and having lost his sense of smell.

Has the world's oldest tortoise, Jonathan, died? 193-year-old's vet calls out ‘hoax’, claims hoaxer is asking for crypto

Jonathan arrived on Saint Helena in 1882 as a gift to the island's governor. He has lived on the grounds of the Plantation House and has become a local celebrity, even appearing on the reverse of Saint Helena’s 5p coin. Throughout his life, Jonathan has witnessed significant historical events, including the reigns of eight British monarchs. His actual date of birth is unknown, but he was estimated to be around 50 years old when he arrived on the island.

Jonathan, World's Oldest Tortoise, Passes Away at Estimated 193

The initial reports of Jonathan's death have drawn criticism for their lack of verification. The Friends of the British Overseas Territories quickly labeled the news as fake, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking in journalism. The incident highlights the vulnerability of media outlets to misinformation, particularly in the age of social media where false narratives can spread rapidly.

Has the world's oldest tortoise, Jonathan, died? 193-year-old's vet calls out ‘hoax’, claims hoaxer is asking for crypto

Joe Hollins stated, “There is a hoax... saying Jonathan the Tortoise, the oldest living land animal, is dead. IT IS NOT TRUE.” He further noted that the impostor account was not only misleading but also attempting to exploit the situation for financial gain through cryptocurrency donations. Governor Nigel Phillips also reassured the public, humorously referencing Mark Twain’s famous quote about exaggerated reports of death.

Has the world's oldest tortoise, Jonathan, died? 193-year-old's vet calls out ‘hoax’, claims hoaxer is asking for crypto

• “Heartbroken to share that our beloved Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, has passed away today peacefully on St Helena.” — Joe Hollins, Impersonated Vet

Jonathan, World's Oldest Tortoise, Passes Away at Estimated 193

• “Jonathan is asleep under a tree in the paddock,” — Nigel Phillips, Governor of Saint Helena

The Guardian

Despite the hoax, Jonathan continues to thrive, enjoying a diet rich in bananas and maintaining a strong presence on Saint Helena. His remarkable lifespan and the recent events surrounding his false death announcement serve as a reminder of the importance of accurate reporting and the potential dangers of misinformation in the digital age.

The Guardian