Last updated: April 2, 2026

Jonathan the tortoise remains alive — World's oldest animal survives crypto death hoax

Jonathan the tortoise is officially alive and well on the island of St Helena, despite a whirlwind of reports claiming the 194-year-old national treasure had passed away. The panic was sparked by a calculated hoax that managed to dupe several major broadcasters and news platforms across the globe.

The Full Story

The drama began late on April 1st when reports surfaced that Jonathan, who has outlived eight British monarchs, had finally succumbed to old age. It quickly became clear, however, that this wasn't just a tasteless April Fool's prank; it was a sinister crypto scam. Fraudsters used the news of his 'death' to drive traffic to suspicious cryptocurrency links, preying on the sentimental attachment millions have to the Seychelles giant tortoise.

Confusion reigned for several hours as major outlets, including the BBC and the Daily Mail, initially shared the news before hastily issuing retractions. Here in Britain, Jonathan is a household name, famous for having met the late Queen Elizabeth II when she was still a princess. To hear he had 'passed peacefully' was a blow to many, but fortunately, he was simply enjoying his usual diet of lettuce and carrots 7,000 miles away.

The hoax was eventually dismantled by Jonathan’s long-term vet and the local government of St Helena. They confirmed that the reptile was hale and hearty and entirely oblivious to the fact that he was trending for all the wrong reasons. It serves as a sharp reminder of how quickly misinformation can travel when it pulls at our heartstrings.

Central Figures

• Jonathan: The world's oldest known land animal, aged 194.
• Joe Hollins: Jonathan’s dedicated veterinarian who moved quickly to debunk the 'hoax' and reassure the public.
• The St Helena Government: The official body responsible for Jonathan's care and the first to issue a formal 'still alive' confirmation.

He is very much alive. I am looking at him right now. This was a cruel joke that seems to have been tied to a cryptocurrency scheme.

What This Means

For us in the UK, Jonathan is more than just a tortoise; he is a living link to the Victorian era. Born circa 1832, he has survived two world wars, the invention of the lightbulb, and the rise and fall of the British Empire. The fact that scammers are now using such a venerable creature for financial gain marks a new low in digital fraud. Always verify news of this magnitude through official government channels before clicking on associated links or financial 'opportunities'.

What to Expect

St Helena officials have promised more regular health updates to prevent similar scares in the future. As Jonathan approaches his 200th birthday in a few years, security and monitoring around his public image are expected to tighten. For now, the old boy remains the undisputed king of the island, and we can all breathe a sigh of relief that he’s still with us.

FAQ

Is Jonathan the tortoise really dead?
No, the reports were a hoax tied to a cryptocurrency scam. He is alive and well on St Helena.

How old is Jonathan exactly?
He is estimated to be 194 years old, having arrived on St Helena in 1882 when he was already at least 50.

Who confirmed he is still alive?
His veterinarian, Joe Hollins, and the St Helena government both issued statements confirming his health.

Why was his 'death' reported by the BBC and Daily Mail?
The outlets were briefly caught out by a sophisticated April Fool's hoax that was amplified by viral social media posts.

Where does Jonathan live?
He lives in the grounds of Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor of St Helena.