A surprising video has been creating buzz online, claiming that a 194-year-old giant tortoise-who was a youngster when Queen Victoria ascended the throne-has lived long enough to fall victim to a crypto scam. News outlets mistakenly reported his death after an X account posting as Jonathon’s vet broke the fake news.

The post, attributed to “Joe Hollins”, claimed: “Heartbroken to share that our beloved Jonathon, the world’s oldest living land animal, has passed away today peacefully in Saint Helena. “As his vet for many years, it was an honor to care for him-hand-feeding bananas watching him bask in the sun and marvel at his quiet wisdom. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience and longevity that inspired millions.”

The viral post received 2m views and was reported as fact by the UK’s national broadcaster. However, the real vet- who does not use X stated: “Jonathan the tortoise is very much alive. I believe on X the person purporting to be me is asking for crypto donations, so it’s not even an April fool joke.”

Jonathon is a Seychelles giant tortoise, and the world’s oldest known land animal. He has lived on the grounds of the governor’s mansion on Saint Helena since 1882. Governor Nigel Phillips was preparing for bed on Wednesday night when he was swamped with frantic messages. He got up and searched the grounds to check on the tortoise, later telling the Guardian: “Jonathan is asleep under a tree in the paddock, adding that the animal was very much alive.”

Governor Phillips jokingly released a statement on Jonathan’s behalf, referencing Mark Twain’s famous quote: “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” He noted that Jonathan is so old that he literally could have read the original first editions of works by both Twain and Oscar Wilde. Despite being blind from cataracts and having lost his sense of smell, the tortoise remains “hale and hearty”.

Jonathan maintains a very strong appetite for bananas and a surprisingly high libido for his age, frequently attempting to mate with two younger tortoises on the property.

© The News International