Jonathan the Giant Tortoise Confirmed Alive After Death Rumors Linked to Alleged Crypto Scam
April 2, 2026 – Sky News
Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal, is alive and well following false reports of his death that circulated online as part of an alleged cryptocurrency scam.
On Wednesday, social media posts surfaced claiming that Jonathan, who is thought to be approximately 193 years old, had passed away peacefully. The messages originated from a Twitter (now known as X) account named @JoeHollinsVet, purporting to belong to Joe Hollins, a veterinarian known for caring for Jonathan and publicly sharing his experiences with the tortoise.
The post lamented the loss of the beloved animal, stating: "Heartbroken to announce that the beloved Jonathan has passed away today peacefully. Rest easy, old friend. You’ll be missed more than words can say." It also expressed gratitude for the "outpouring of love" as people mourned the creature’s supposed death.
However, officials and the real Joe Hollins quickly clarified that Jonathan remained in good health. The Friends of the British Overseas Territories, citing the governor of St Helena, Nigel Phillips, confirmed that the genuine Joe Hollins does not maintain an X account and that the posts were fraudulent. Governor Phillips personally checked on Jonathan and verified that he was alive and well.
The fake account had recently altered its username and was soliciting cryptocurrency donations, raising concerns that the death announcement hoax was a ploy to defraud the public. The real Joe Hollins took to Facebook to denounce the scam, urging people to spread awareness to prevent further spread of the false information. He wrote: “IT IS NOT TRUE. The hoaxer is asking for crypto donations. It’s a con. Please forward guys because this has spread. Even our researcher friends in the US unraveling his DNA have just sent condolences.”
Public reaction to the hoax was largely critical, with commentators calling out the fraudulent post as a "scam" and “plonker,” while Guinness World Records shared a relieved response simply stating, “phew.”
Jonathan has witnessed an extraordinary span of history during his nearly two-century life. He has lived through the reigns of eight British monarchs—from William IV to Charles III—and survived through significant historical milestones including the Industrial Revolution, two world wars, and the abolition of slavery. He has seen major scientific and cultural advances from the dawn of space travel to the digital age.
Jonathan resides on the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, within the grounds of Plantation House, the official residence of the island’s governor. He shares this prestigious home with three other giant tortoises named Emma, David, and Fredrik. Although his exact birth year remains unknown, it is generally accepted that Jonathan arrived on the island with two other tortoises from Seychelles during the 18th or 19th century and was named in the 1930s.
St Helena itself is a British Overseas Territory, discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and claimed by Britain in 1659. It has remained under British sovereignty ever since.
This episode has not only reaffirmed Jonathan’s place in history but also highlighted the ongoing risks posed by fraudulent activities on social media platforms, underscoring the importance of verifying information before sharing.
Images:
- King George VI, the then Queen and Princess Elizabeth, alongside Princess Margaret, all met Jonathan in 1947. (Pic: PA)
- Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise posing for tourists on St Helena. (Pics: St Helena/PA, AP)
Related Topics: Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II, Seychelles
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