What's happened
Multiple reports claimed Jonathan, a 193-year-old tortoise on St. Helena, had died, but authorities confirmed he is alive. The false reports originated from a fake social media account asking for crypto donations. Jonathan is listed as the oldest land animal by Guinness World Records and continues to roam the island.
What's behind the headline?
The false reports highlight the vulnerability of social media to misinformation, especially involving beloved animals with iconic status. The hoax's intent appears to be financial, seeking crypto donations under false pretenses. Authorities' quick response underscores the importance of official verification in preventing the spread of false news. This incident also raises questions about the security of social media accounts and the need for increased digital literacy to combat scams. The story demonstrates how emotional attachment to animals can be exploited for financial gain, and it emphasizes the importance of verifying information before sharing or reacting.
What the papers say
The Independent, NY Post, Sky News all report on the hoax and confirm Jonathan's continued life. The Independent and NY Post detail the social media falsehoods and the official responses, emphasizing the scam's nature. Sky News highlights the social media posts claiming Jonathan's death and the subsequent clarification from authorities. The articles collectively illustrate the risks of misinformation and the importance of official verification, with some sources noting the scam's financial motive and others focusing on the public's emotional response.
How we got here
Jonathan, believed to be 193 years old, has lived on St. Helena since 1882, after being brought from the Seychelles. The tortoise is famous for his longevity and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living land animal. Recent social media hoaxes falsely claimed his death, prompting official clarification.
Go deeper
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Guinness World Records, known from its inception in 1955 until 2000 as The Guinness Book of Records and in previous United States editions as The Guinness Book of World Records, is a reference book published annually, listing world records both of human a