Cryptocurrency Scam Claims World's Oldest Tortoise Jonathan Has Died

A fake X account impersonating Jonathan's veterinarian posted that he had died at age 193.

“World’s oldest known tortoise still very much alive despite rumor to the contrary World’s oldest known tortoise still very much alive despite rumor to the contrary LONDON (AP) — Reports on April Fools’ Day of the death of the world’s oldest living land animal — a 193-year-old tortoise called Jonathan — were greatly exaggerated”

Associated Press

The post went viral and was reported as fact by major outlets including the BBC and The Guardian.

Associated Press

Hollins confirmed he does not have an X account and described the post as a hoax soliciting crypto donations.

The St. Helena government confirmed Jonathan was very much alive and issued a photo.

Jonathan has lived on St. Helena since 1882, making him roughly 50 years old when he arrived.

He has survived eight British monarchs and became a beloved island icon.

BBC

His assigned official birthday is December 4.

Several outlets issued corrections after reporting Jonathan's death based on the fake post.

“Fausse alerte pour Jonathan la tortue, considéré comme le plus vieil animal terrestre vivant connu par le Livre Guinness des records”

BFM

The Guardian revealed the fake account was based in Brazil, not St. Helena.

This episode highlighted vulnerabilities in verification processes on social media.