Meet The World’s Oldest Crocodile—Alive Since 1900 And A Father To Over 10,000 Offspring

Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) are one of Africa’s most formidable predators and are famed for their immense size, strength, and stealth. Native to freshwater habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, these apex predators average between 13 to 16.5 feet in length and weigh up to 1650 pounds—one-and-a-half times more than a grand piano.

Their diet consists of a wide array of prey, from fish and birds to mammals as large as antelopes and buffalo, with their powerful jaws and robust teeth making them a formidable foe. These crocodiles are feared due to their aggressive nature and tendency to attack humans unprovoked.

Nile crocodiles can live for as long as 70 years in the wild and even longer in captivity. One such astonishing example of this longevity in captivity is Henry, the world's oldest known crocodile, who resides at the Crocworld Conservation Center in Scottburgh, South Africa.

Henry—The Centenarian Crocodile With Over 10,000 Offspring

Born in 1900, Henry is all set to turn 124 on December 16, 2024, with his life story offering a window into the remarkable biology and resilience of Crocodylus niloticus.

He was first captured in the Okavango Delta of Botswana in 1985 after reportedly preying on both livestock and children. His aggressive nature had earned him infamy amongst the local populace, though it now starkly contrasts with his calm demeanor in captivity at Crocworld.

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Since his transfer to the conservation center, Henry has fathered over 10,000 offspring with numerous partners. His advanced age has not diminished his reproductive capabilities, highlighting a marvelous aspect of crocodilian biology: unlike many animals whose reproductive abilities decline with age, crocodiles remain fertile for most of their lives. Henry’s vitality speaks to the resilience of not just Crocodylus niloticus but also the strength of his genetic makeup.

His survival for over a century can be attributed to efficient metabolism—crocodiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. This trait allows them to conserve energy and survive for long periods without food.

Nile crocodiles can go several months without eating in the wild, living off just their fat reserves. Though well-fed in captivity, Henry still benefits from this energy-saving adaptation, which has undoubtedly contributed to his extended lifespan.

Henry Has Million Years of Adaptations To Thank For His Longevity

Henry’s secret to longevity can be traced back to the late Cretaceous, when his lineage (Crocodylia) shared the planet with dinosaurs. While mass extinctions wiped out the dinosaurs and other prehistoric species, crocodiles’ ability to adapt to various environments and their efficient hunting techniques helped them thrive.

They have an extraordinary immune system, with the powerful antibacterial properties of their blood enabling them to survive in the bacteria-infested stagnant waters they often call home.Even engaging in vicious fights with other crocodiles—something that happens often enough in the wild—isn’t enough for an infection to take hold. Their powerful immune system is believed to play a big part in this and contributes to their long life expectancy in harsh environments, according to a December 2012 article published in CABI Reviews.

Henry, like his wild relatives, benefits from this advanced, natural defense mechanism, allowing him to recover from injuries and diseases that would affect most other animals.

Nile crocodiles also have exceptional sensory adaptations. Henry has specialized pressure receptors called “integumentary sensory organs” located on his skin. These receptors allow him to detect even the slightest change in water pressure and make it possible to sense the movements of prey or predators, even in complete darkness.

Henry’s Legacy

Henry draws thousands of visitors each year to Crocworld and his legacy is not only about his long life but also about the educational value he provides. Through this 123-year-old crocodile, scientists and researchers have studied the biology of aging in reptiles and gained insights that have bettered their understanding of his species.

His story offers a chance for the general populace to learn about conservation and the importance of preserving these creatures who play a critical role in their ecosystems by keeping fish and herbivore populations in check.

While Nile crocodiles are not endangered (they are, in fact, a species of “Least Concern,” going by the IUCN Red List), they face habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict threats. Crocworld’s role in raising awareness about the species through their most famous resident ensures that future generations will appreciate the importance of conserving Nile crocodiles and their habitats.