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Nevilledog

(55,085 posts) Wed Apr 1, 2026, 03:17 PM Wednesday

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 Wednesday OP

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

That's sad leftstreet Wednesday #2

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

Jonathan 🐢 Clouds Passing Wednesday #3

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

You know what my Mom used too say mercuryblues Wednesday #11

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

... littlemissmartypants Wednesday #5

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

His life crawled before his eyes BaronChocula Wednesday #10

This is heartbreaking 💔 StarryNite Wednesday #7

Rest in peace, Jonathan. calimary Wednesday #8

Cross gently Johnathan MustLoveBeagles Wednesday #9

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

He was a good boy. Kingofalldems Wednesday #13

. Solly Mack Wednesday #14

... orangecrush Wednesday #15

Cross gently, Jonathan the Giant Tortoise Niagara Wednesday #17

"" AllaN01Bear Wednesday #18

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

R-I-P Jonathan 😥💔 Raine Wednesday #20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rumors of his death are greatly exagerated. twodogsbarking Thursday #34

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

Wow anamnua Thursday #31

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

Thanks for the update MustLoveBeagles Thursday #33

hlthe2b

(114,050 posts)

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