World's oldest tortoise very much alive despite death rumors
ABC News • • world
Key Points:
- Reports of the death of Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal and a 193-year-old Seychelles giant tortoise, were confirmed to be false; Jonathan is still alive on St. Helena island.
- A fake social media account impersonating Joe Hollins, a veterinarian who worked with Jonathan, falsely announced the tortoise's death, leading to widespread condolences and nearly 2 million views.
- The impersonator was soliciting cryptocurrency donations, prompting Joe Hollins to warn the public about the hoax and label it a scam.
- Jonathan is recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living land animal and was brought to St. Helena around 1882 at approximately 50 years old.
