Jonathan, the world's oldest tortoise, is not dead. The amphibian is very much alive despite what you may have heard. An internet hoax labeled the animal dead earlier this week.
On April 1, a fake post claiming to be the tortoise's owner, Joe Hollins, said Jonathan had died. The tortoise is 193 years old. Following the hoax, many outlets (not us) reported that the animal had died, according to The Guardian.
"Heartbroken to share that our beloved Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, has passed away today peacefully on Saint Helena," the post read.
"As his vet for many years, it was an honor to care for him — hand-feeding bananas, watching him bask in the sun and marveling at his quiet wisdom. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience and longevity that inspired millions. Rest easy, old friend. You'll be missed more than words can say," it continued.
Jonathan the Tortoise Still Alive
However, The Guardian quickly discovered the account was a fake. In a post on Facebook, the real Joe Hollin revealed that the news was not true at all.
He explained, "There is a hoax, not even an April Fool, going around in X with American spelling but using my name, saying Jonathan the Tortoise, the oldest living land animal, is dead. IT IS NOT TRUE. The hoaxer is asking for crypto donations. It's a con. Please forward guys because this has spread. Even our researcher friends in the US, unraveling his DNA, have just sent condolences."
Instead of being in an animal grave, the animal was living his best life, sleeping under a tree.
Governor of Saint Helena, Nigel Phillip, joked for the tortoise, "The report of my death was an exaggeration ... Mark Twain, not Oscar Wilde. Jonathan would nonetheless have had the chance to enjoy both their works in the original first editions."
