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

[Nevilledog]

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.

[hlthe2b]

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

Amazing and I'm pleased he was so well cared for--especially in his later years.

Watch over all you've lived to see, Jonathan.

[leftstreet]

2. That's sad

CNN
@CNN
·Jan 26, 2022
When Jonathan the giant tortoise was born, Queen Victoria was just a teenager.

While the British monarch died more than 120 years ago aged 81, Jonathan is still shuffling around planet Earth

Link to tweet

?s=20

[Clouds Passing]

3. Jonathan 🐢

[twodogsbarking]

4. I am saddened. Now Moscow Mitch is the oldest.

[mercuryblues]

11. You know what my Mom used too say

If you don't have anything good to say about someone, come sit next to me.

[twodogsbarking]

16. My mom used to say "get me another beer".

[littlemissmartypants]

5. ...

[Sneederbunk]

6. He noticeably slowed down a lot after reaching 185.

[BaronChocula]

10. His life crawled before his eyes

before he passed.

[StarryNite]

7. This is heartbreaking 💔

I am so sorry to hear this news. R.I.P. wise one. You will be dearly missed.

[calimary]

8. Rest in peace, Jonathan.

An almost-200-year legacy that will stand, FAR longer than his remarkable long lifespan.

[MustLoveBeagles]

9. Cross gently Johnathan

[oberle]

12. I was so blessed to see his own kind in the Galapagos.

They are so amazing, and do have their own personalities.

Blessings, big guy.

[Kingofalldems]

13. He was a good boy.

RIP.

[Solly Mack]

14. .

[orangecrush]

15. ...

[Niagara]

17. Cross gently, Jonathan the Giant Tortoise

[AllaN01Bear]

18. ""

[Sneederbunk]

19. He knew Abe Lincoln and TSF is no Abe Lincoln.

[Raine]

20. R-I-P Jonathan 😥💔

My tortoise is about 85. I inherited him when his other owners died. I have a soft spot for tortoises after inheriting him, they are really intelligent and so lovable. 🐢💕

[Shipwack]

21. FAKE!!! Scam attempt. Look at the community moderation. nt

[Nevilledog]

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

Pretty fucking crappy if it's a lie. Would be really happy tho.

[0rganism]

24. First known sighting of a Tortoise Crisis Actor

Truly we live in amazing times

[dixiegrrrrl]

23. The story is reported to be a scam. Jonathan lives.😃

The link reports the story is/was a scam seeking money, and the tortoise is alive and well.

[cstanleytech]

26. Darn, I thought it might be Mitch!!! Oh, well 😞

[Ms. Toad]

27. Here's a link debunking the story.

https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/is-jonathan-tortoise-alive-friends-of-british-overseas-territories-confirms/507-d394abeb-131e-4a8b-922a-dddda83484b3

However, later on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Friends of the British Overseas Territories, confirmed that Jonathan is alive and well.

"This story is absolutely fake - we've been in touch with the vet, Joe Hollins, who has confirmed he doesn't have an X account and Jonathan is alive and well," the spokesperson said on Wednesday. "The Governor, Nigel Phillips, has been out this evening to confirm Jonathan is alive too."

[Nevilledog]

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

[Ms. Toad]

29. Since Jonathan lives in St. Helena, a British a territory,

It would make sense to check with them.

You can also just look them up. https://fotbot.org/

[ramblin_dave]

30. World's oldest known land animal, Jonathan the tortoise, still alive at nearly 200

USA Today:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2026/04/01/jonathan-oldest-tortoise-dies-st-helena/89424376007/

[anamnua]

31. Wow

28 years of age when the American Civil War started.