World's oldest living crocodile, Henry, who has fathered 10,000 babies, celebrates his 124th birthday

World's oldest crocodile Henry

Henry, the world’s oldest known crocodile, marks his 124th birthday on December 16 at the Crocworld Conservation Centre in South Africa.

Henry, a Nile crocodile, has called this sanctuary home since 1985. He was originally captured in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in 1903. His birthday is celebrated on Dec. 16, though his exact birthdate remains unknown. Crocworld staff estimates his birth around 1900.

A Senior Crocodile with a Legacy of Offspring

Now a vigorous senior, Henry has fathered over 10,000 offspring since his arrival. His longevity has sparked interest among biologists who study animal ageing.

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Steven Austad, a biologist at the University of Alabama, spoke exclusively with Live Science. “He’s clearly old,” said Austad. “Whether he's 100 or 130, we don’t know. An age of 124 is not impossible for a crocodile.” Reptiles like Henry often live longer due to their cold-blooded nature, which conserves energy.

Why Crocodiles Live So Long

Austad explained that reptiles have slower metabolisms, allowing for longer lifespans. “A crocodile the same size as a person would only eat 4% as much,” he noted. This reduced energy consumption helps their longevity.

Henry’s size and safety in captivity also play a role. Weighing 1,540 pounds (700 kilograms) and stretching 16.4 feet (5 metres), he is large for his kind. His age is likely protected by his environment, free from predators and disease.

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“Animals in safe environments tend to live longer,” said Austad. This has certainly been the case for Henry.

The Mystery of Crocodile Longevity

While reptilian longevity is known, understanding it remains challenging. Researchers have speculated that Henry’s immune system and gut microbiome contribute to his survival.

Some suggest crocodile blood proteins may have antibacterial properties, helping them resist infections. Austad noted, “Crocodiles live longer than the careers of scientists studying them.”

Studying creatures like Henry is tough due to their long life spans. But as Henry proves, the secrets to reptilian ageing remain largely a mystery.