Island of Saint Helena – At 194 years old, Jonathan the giant tortoise has witnessed centuries of history—but this week, he became the center of a very modern problem: online misinformation.
False reports of Jonathan’s death spread rapidly after a social media account impersonating his longtime veterinarian claimed the iconic tortoise had passed away on the island of Saint Helena. The post, which gained millions of views, was even picked up by major outlets before being debunked.
Authorities later confirmed the account was fraudulent and linked to a cryptocurrency scam soliciting donations. The real veterinarian, who does not use social media, dismissed the claim outright, calling it “a con.”
The confusion prompted a late-night check by Governor Nigel Phillips, who personally verified that Jonathan was alive—resting peacefully under a tree on the grounds where he has lived since arriving on the island in 1882.
Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise, is widely recognized as the oldest known living land animal. Despite his age, blindness from cataracts, and diminished sense of smell, he remains active, with a steady appetite and routine that includes grazing and occasional fruit treats.
The incident has sparked concern among residents of Saint Helena, where Jonathan is more than a curiosity—he is a cultural symbol, even appearing on local currency. “People here feel deeply connected to him,” one resident noted. “The thought of losing him is emotional.”
Experts say the episode highlights a growing issue: the speed at which misinformation, particularly tied to scams, can spread online. Even reputable outlets can be caught off guard, underscoring the need for verification before publication.
For now, Jonathan remains blissfully unaware of the global stir. As officials humorously noted, reports of his death were greatly exaggerated—echoing a sentiment famously attributed to Mark Twain.