World's Oldest Tortoise, Jonathan, Alive Amidst Death Hoax
World’s oldest known tortoise very much alive — despite rumor started by crypto con
New York Post
Image: New York Post
Jonathan, a 193-year-old Seychelles giant tortoise residing on St. Helena, is alive despite false reports of his death that circulated on April Fools' Day. The hoax, which claimed to be from a veterinarian, prompted widespread condolences before being debunked as a cryptocurrency scam.
- 01Jonathan is the world's oldest known tortoise at 193 years old.
- 02False reports of his death spread rapidly on social media on April Fools' Day.
- 03The hoax was linked to a cryptocurrency scam seeking donations.
- 04Veterinarian Joe Hollins, falsely cited in the hoax, confirmed it was a fraud.
- 05Jonathan has been living on St. Helena since 1882.
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Jonathan, a 193-year-old Seychelles giant tortoise, is alive and well on St. Helena, despite rumors of his death that emerged on April Fools' Day. These false reports were propagated by a social media post from an account impersonating veterinarian Joe Hollins, who has worked with Jonathan. The post claimed the tortoise had passed away, leading to an outpouring of condolences from the public, with nearly 2 million views. However, Hollins later clarified that he does not have an account on the platform and labeled the post as a hoax aimed at soliciting cryptocurrency donations. The St. Helena government confirmed Jonathan's well-being by sharing a recent photo of him roaming the governor's residence grounds. Jonathan was brought to St. Helena in 1882 and is known for outliving many historical events, including the exile and death of Napoleon Bonaparte on the island.
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The hoax raised concerns about misinformation and its potential to exploit people's emotions for financial gain.
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