Jonathan the Tortoise Survives Viral Death Hoax Linked to Crypto Scam
Did Jonathan the Tortoise Really Die or Was His Death Part of a Viral Crypto Scam on X?
Miami Herald
Image: Miami Herald
Jonathan the Tortoise, the world's oldest living land animal at 194 years old, is alive and well despite false reports of his death that circulated online. The hoax, which originated from a user impersonating his veterinarian, was linked to a crypto scam asking for donations, prompting swift clarification from officials on Saint Helena.
- 01Jonathan the Tortoise is alive, debunking viral death rumors.
- 02The hoax was linked to a crypto scam soliciting donations.
- 03Governor of Saint Helena personally verified Jonathan's well-being.
- 04Jonathan is recognized as the oldest-known living terrestrial animal.
- 05He has lived on Saint Helena since 1882 and enjoys a comfortable life.
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Recent reports of Jonathan the Tortoise's death were proven false, as the beloved 194-year-old tortoise continues to thrive on Saint Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic. The hoax originated on April 1, when a user on the social media platform X, impersonating Jonathan's veterinarian Joe Hollins, falsely announced his passing. The post gained significant traction, reaching at least two million viewers and being reported by major outlets like USA Today and The Guardian. However, the real Hollins quickly debunked the rumor, clarifying that it was a scam aimed at soliciting crypto donations. Governor Nigel Phillips of Saint Helena personally checked on Jonathan after hearing the news and confirmed he was “very much alive” and napping under a tree. Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise, has lived on the island since 1882 and was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest-known living terrestrial animal in 2019. His life includes being hand-fed bananas and basking in the sun, all while outliving numerous historical events and now a viral hoax.
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The false reports of Jonathan's death sparked concern among locals and fans worldwide, highlighting the impact of misinformation on social media.
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