On April 1st or April fools day there was a report stating that Jonathan The oldest known living land animal had passed away. Jonathan a hundred and ninety-three tortoise although old is still very much alive. These reports were fake and exaggerated. Anne Dillon the head of communications on the island said “It was a hoax” and “I can assure you that he is very much alive.” 

The news of Jonathan’s “passing” spread rapidly through the internet. It started with a X account who claimed to be Joe Hollins, a veterinarian who worked with Jonathan on the island of St. Helena. The account was heartbroken to announce that the tortoise was no longer with us. The post went viral gathering millions of views and a load of condolences. After the hoax Joe Hollins said that he didn’t even have an X account and he thought something more sinister was happening. He stated that “The hoaxers asking for crypto donations. It’s a con. 

The government of St. Helena sent a photo of Jonathan roaming the island. Jonathan holds the Guinness World record for the oldest living land animal and oldest tortoise. Fortunately the gentle giant is still alive and with us today.