Henry, the oldest known giant crocodile in the world, celebrated his 124th birthday on December 16, at the Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh, South Africa. Experts believe he was born around 1900, though his exact birth date remains unknown.
Captured in 1903 from the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Henry has called Crocworld home since 1985. Despite his advanced age, he remains active and healthy.
Weighing 1,540 pounds (700 kilograms) and measuring 16.4 feet (5 meters), Henry is one of the largest crocodiles of his kind. His impressive size helps protect him from predators even as he ages.
This is Henry, a Nile Crocodile. It is reported to be the oldest known croc in the world, born in 1900. pic.twitter.com/nmo0Q4iih4
— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) September 12, 2024
A remarkable family legacy
Over nearly four decades at the conservation center, Henry has fathered more than 10,000 offspring with various partners. His continued health and longevity are credited to his safe environment and steady food supply.
“Animals that for whatever reason, happen to live in a safe environment, tend to live longer,” said Steven Austad, a biologist who studies animal aging at the University of Alabama.
Why do reptiles live longer?
Reptiles, including crocodiles, are known for their long lifespans. In general, the size of an animal can predict how long it lives. Smaller animals tend to age faster because they use more energy. In contrast, reptiles like Henry often live longer than other animals of similar size due to their cold-blooded nature.
Unlike warm-blooded mammals, cold-blooded reptiles rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. This helps them conserve energy. “A crocodile that was the same size as a person would only need to eat about 4% as much as a mammal like us,” Austad explained.
Henry’s significant size and longevity
Crocodiles also continue to grow throughout their lives. Henry’s significant size is not just a marker of age but also a survival advantage. His weight and length make him less vulnerable to threats.
Another factor in Henry’s longevity may lie in his biology. Some scientists believe Nile crocodiles have proteins in their blood with antibacterial properties. These proteins could help them fight off infections and diseases. Additionally, their gut bacteria may support a robust immune system, keeping them healthier for longer.
However, studying crocodile aging is challenging. Researchers must tag crocodiles at a young age and track them throughout their lives — a process that can take decades. Because of this, many ideas about reptile aging remain unproven.
“[Crocodiles] live longer than the careers of the scientist studying them,” Austad noted.
As Henry the crocodile celebrates his 124th birthday, he continues to thrive at Crocworld, where staff and visitors celebrate his life each year. His enduring strength and vitality make him a symbol of resilience and one of the most fascinating residents in the world of wildlife conservation.