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Nevilledog

(55,081 posts)
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 03:17 PM 4 hrs ago

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.



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.


26 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Maybe fake?? Jonathan the Giant Tortoise, the world's oldest living land animal, has died at 193. (Original Post) Nevilledog 4 hrs ago OP
Wow! What a life. What a passing. Your spirit lives on with your record years, Jonathan! hlthe2b 4 hrs ago #1
That's sad leftstreet 4 hrs ago #2
This message was self-deleted by its author cstanleytech 7 min ago #25
Jonathan 🐢 Clouds Passing 3 hrs ago #3
I am saddened. Now Moscow Mitch is the oldest. twodogsbarking 3 hrs ago #4
You know what my Mom used too say mercuryblues 3 hrs ago #11
My mom used to say "get me another beer". twodogsbarking 2 hrs ago #16
... littlemissmartypants 3 hrs ago #5
He noticeably slowed down a lot after reaching 185. Sneederbunk 3 hrs ago #6
His life crawled before his eyes BaronChocula 3 hrs ago #10
This is heartbreaking 💔 StarryNite 3 hrs ago #7
Rest in peace, Jonathan. calimary 3 hrs ago #8
Cross gently Johnathan MustLoveBeagles 3 hrs ago #9
I was so blessed to see his own kind in the Galapagos. oberle 3 hrs ago #12
He was a good boy. Kingofalldems 2 hrs ago #13
. Solly Mack 2 hrs ago #14
... orangecrush 2 hrs ago #15
Cross gently, Jonathan the Giant Tortoise Niagara 2 hrs ago #17
"" AllaN01Bear 1 hr ago #18
He knew Abe Lincoln and TSF is no Abe Lincoln. Sneederbunk 1 hr ago #19
R-I-P Jonathan 😥💔 Raine 1 hr ago #20
FAKE!!! Scam attempt. Look at the community moderation. nt Shipwack 1 hr ago #21
Seeing some saying it's untrue now. BBC and USAtoday report the death. Nevilledog 56 min ago #22
First known sighting of a Tortoise Crisis Actor 0rganism 53 min ago #24
The story is reported to be a scam. Jonathan lives.😃 dixiegrrrrl 53 min ago #23
Darn, I thought it might be Mitch!!! Oh, well 😞 cstanleytech 6 min ago #26

hlthe2b

(113,971 posts)
1. Wow! What a life. What a passing. Your spirit lives on with your record years, Jonathan!
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 03:20 PM
4 hrs ago

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

(40,681 posts)
2. That's sad
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 03:23 PM
4 hrs ago
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



?s=20

Response to leftstreet (Reply #2)

mercuryblues

(16,413 posts)
11. You know what my Mom used too say
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 04:59 PM
3 hrs ago

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

StarryNite

(12,116 posts)
7. This is heartbreaking 💔
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 04:32 PM
3 hrs ago

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

calimary

(90,021 posts)
8. Rest in peace, Jonathan.
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 04:36 PM
3 hrs ago

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

oberle

(358 posts)
12. I was so blessed to see his own kind in the Galapagos.
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 05:00 PM
3 hrs ago

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

Blessings, big guy.

Raine

(31,179 posts)
20. R-I-P Jonathan 😥💔
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 06:18 PM
1 hr ago

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. 🐢💕

Nevilledog

(55,081 posts)
22. Seeing some saying it's untrue now. BBC and USAtoday report the death.
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 07:13 PM
56 min ago

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

dixiegrrrrl

(60,161 posts)
23. The story is reported to be a scam. Jonathan lives.😃
Wed Apr 1, 2026, 07:15 PM
53 min ago

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

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