World’s oldest tortoise caught in viral crypto death scam | St Helena
Jonathan, the 194-year-old giant tortoise, was very young when Queen Victoria ascended to the throne and has now lived long enough to become the victim of a crypto scam.
News outlets such as the BBC, Daily Mail and USA Today incorrectly reported Jonathan’s death after an X account posing as his veterinarian broke the news.
The post, attributed to “Joe Hollins,” stated: “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal, passed away peacefully today on Saint Helena.
“It was an honor to care for him as his veterinarian for many years; hand-feeding him bananas, watching him bask in the sun, and marveling at his quiet wisdom. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience and longevity that inspires millions. Rest easy, old friend. You will be missed more than words can express.”
Although the post received 2 million views and was reported as authentic by the UK’s national broadcaster, checks by the Guardian revealed the account was based in Brazil. The real vet, who does not use X, said: “Jonathan the Turtle is very much alive. I believe the person claiming to be me is asking for crypto donations based on
The fraudster was actually asking for cryptocurrency donations at the time. BBC broadcast and later retracted – report.
Jonathan, a giant Seychelles tortoise, is the world’s oldest known land animal. He has lived on the grounds of the governor’s mansion on Saint Helena since 1882, when he arrived on the South Atlantic island as a gift.
Governor Nigel Phillips was getting ready for bed Wednesday night when he was inundated with concerned messages. He stood up and looked around to check on the turtle. “Jonathan is sleeping under a tree in the paddock,” he told the Guardian, adding that the animal was “very lively”.
On Thursday morning, Phillips joked that Jonathan had issued a press release: “The news of my death was an exaggeration… Mark Twain, not Oscar Wilde. However, Jonathan would have had the chance to enjoy the original first editions of both of his works.”
Even though he is blind from cataracts and has lost his sense of smell, Jonathan remains vigorous and fulfilling; With a strong appetite for bananas and a healthy libido, he tries to mate with two young turtles that also live on the governor’s property.
A local celebrity, the turtle was featured on the reverse of the Saint Helena 5p coin.
