Jonathan the Tortoise: The Immortal of St Helena

Jonathan, a nearly 200-year-old tortoise and the world's oldest living land animal, is still alive despite rumors of his death. These false reports, spread on social media on April Fool's Day, aimed to solicit cryptocurrency donations fraudulently. Jonathan resides on St Helena, where he continues his long life.


Devdiscourse News Desk | London | Updated: 02-04-2026 17:32 IST | Created: 02-04-2026 17:32 IST
Jonathan the Tortoise: The Immortal of St Helena
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Reports of Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, being deceased were nothing more than an elaborate hoax. At 193 years old, the tortoise continues to thrive on the island of St Helena, quashing rumors that circulated on April Fool's Day.

Anne Dillon, head of communications on St Helena, affirmed Jonathan's wellness, countering claims disseminated by a fraudulent social media account purporting to be veterinarian Joe Hollins. The scam, which sought crypto donations, misled nearly 2 million viewers with false tidings of Jonathan's demise.

Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise recognized by Guinness World Records, has witnessed historical events and outlived numerous generations. He remains a prominent figure at the governor's residence on the island, a site notoriously associated with Napoleon Bonaparte's final years.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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