General Discussion

Nevilledog

(55,114 posts) Wed Apr 1, 2026, 03:17 PM Apr 1

114

Maybe fake?? Jonathan the Giant Tortoise, the world's oldest living land animal, has died at 193.

UPDATE
Seeing some accounts (not news outlets) saying this is a lie. BBC and USAToday have reported on the death, but might be relying on the social media post. Will update again if I see confirmation from official channels.

Link to tweet

Heartbroken to share that our beloved Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, has passed away today peacefully on St. Helena. At an estimated 193+ years old, this gentle giant outlived empires, wars, and generations of humans.

As his vet for many years, it was an honor to care for him—hand-feeding bananas, watching him bask in the sun, and marveling at his quiet wisdom.

He leaves behind a legacy of resilience and longevity that inspired millions. Rest easy, old friend. You'll be missed more than words can say.

34 replies

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Highlight:

Maybe fake?? Jonathan the Giant Tortoise, the world's oldest living land animal, has died at 193. (Original Post) Nevilledog Apr 1 OP

Wow! What a life. What a passing. Your spirit lives on with your record years, Jonathan! hlthe2b Apr 1 #1

That's sad leftstreet Apr 1 #2

This message was self-deleted by its author cstanleytech Apr 1 #25

Jonathan 🐢 Clouds Passing Apr 1 #3

I am saddened. Now Moscow Mitch is the oldest. twodogsbarking Apr 1 #4

You know what my Mom used too say mercuryblues Apr 1 #11

My mom used to say "get me another beer". twodogsbarking Apr 1 #16

... littlemissmartypants Apr 1 #5

He noticeably slowed down a lot after reaching 185. Sneederbunk Apr 1 #6

His life crawled before his eyes BaronChocula Apr 1 #10

This is heartbreaking 💔 StarryNite Apr 1 #7

Rest in peace, Jonathan. calimary Apr 1 #8

Cross gently Johnathan MustLoveBeagles Apr 1 #9

I was so blessed to see his own kind in the Galapagos. oberle Apr 1 #12

He was a good boy. Kingofalldems Apr 1 #13

. Solly Mack Apr 1 #14

... orangecrush Apr 1 #15

Cross gently, Jonathan the Giant Tortoise Niagara Apr 1 #17

"" AllaN01Bear Apr 1 #18

He knew Abe Lincoln and TSF is no Abe Lincoln. Sneederbunk Apr 1 #19

R-I-P Jonathan 😥💔 Raine Apr 1 #20

FAKE!!! Scam attempt. Look at the community moderation. nt Shipwack Apr 1 #21

Seeing some saying it's untrue now. BBC and USAtoday report the death. Nevilledog Apr 1 #22

First known sighting of a Tortoise Crisis Actor 0rganism Apr 1 #24

The story is reported to be a scam. Jonathan lives.😃 dixiegrrrrl Apr 1 #23

Darn, I thought it might be Mitch!!! Oh, well 😞 cstanleytech Apr 1 #26

Here's a link debunking the story. Ms. Toad Apr 1 #27

Not sure who the Friends of the British Overseas Territories are, but I hope they're real. Nevilledog Apr 1 #28

Since Jonathan lives in St. Helena, a British a territory, Ms. Toad Apr 1 #29

Rumors of his death are greatly exagerated. twodogsbarking Apr 2 #34

World's oldest known land animal, Jonathan the tortoise, still alive at nearly 200 ramblin_dave Apr 1 #30

Wow anamnua Apr 2 #31

A hoax by an imposter asking for crypto donations. See my LBN post: highplainsdem Apr 2 #32

Thanks for the update MustLoveBeagles Apr 2 #33

hlthe2b

(114,402 posts)

1. Wow! What a life. What a passing. Your spirit lives on with your record years, Jonathan!