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It Was a Hoax: Jonathan, the World's Oldest Tortoise, Is Still 'Alive and Well'
A fake vet post and crypto wallet address fueled the hoax, and officials said the 193-year-old tortoise is alive and well.
- On Thursday, the St. Helena government confirmed that Jonathan, the world's oldest known land animal, is alive and well, debunking a viral hoax claiming the 193-year-old tortoise had died.
- News of the Seychelles giant tortoise's demise spread rapidly on Wednesday after an X user impersonated Joe Hollins, the reptile's veterinarian, to solicit cryptocurrency donations through a deceptive post.
- The fraudulent post accumulated nearly 2 million views through Thursday, deceiving major outlets like the BBC and USA Today before the impostor account mocked the error by replying "Got you!"
- St. Helena Gov. Nigel Phillips posted a photo of the tortoise roaming the governor's residence, while the real Hollins confirmed on Facebook that he does not maintain an X account.
- Jonathan, estimated to be almost 194 years old, arrived on the island in 1882 and remains a cherished symbol of St. Helena, where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled until 1821.
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The oldest turtle in the world, about 193 years old, is still alive, despite an attempt by a fraudster to declare himself dead.
·Montreal, Canada
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The oldest turtle in the world, 193 years old, was announced dead on Wednesday April 1st by a user on X who pretended to be the animal veterinarian. The person behind this false account is actually a scammer who made this post to claim donations in cryptocurrency according to the English media The Guardian. The turtle, who lives on the island of St. Helena, since 1882 is well alive and in shape. #ebrainfo #tortue #sainthelene #tortuejonathan
Coverage Details
Total News Sources23
Leaning Left9Leaning Right2Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 39%
11%
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