A 194-year-old tortoise previously feared dead is still living, after a viral hoax duped several of the world’s major news outlets. Jonathan, who hatched roughly three decades before the American Civil War, was thought to have died after an X account claiming to be his veterinarian posted an emotional memorial message. “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,“ the post reads. ”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.” This moving tribute fooled the journalists of the BBC, the Daily Mail, and USA Today. All three newsrooms falsely reported the death of the world’s oldest animal. Soon after, the truth spilled out. Not only does the veterinarian caring for Jonathan not use X, but the account posting the news was found to be asking for online “donations” in cryptocurrency. The tortoise himself, who lives on the remote British island of Saint Helena in the southern Atlantic Ocean, was unfazed by the drama, enjoying an 11-hour nap. To dispel all internet conspiracies, Jonathan’s caretakers posted a picture of the tortoise next to an iPad displaying Thursday’s BBC homepage.
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