Meet Henry, the world’s oldest crocodile, who has become a legend not only for his remarkable age but also for fathering over 10,000 offspring.
Residing in South Africa, Henry lives a unique life at Crocworld Conservation Centre, where he enjoys the company of six partners.
Oldest crocodile’s origins and longevity
A century of life
Born over 124 years ago in the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Botswana, Henry has witnessed the passing of more than a century.
His birthday, celebrated on December 16, 1900, marks his extraordinary journey.
He is now 16 feet long and holds the official title of the world’s oldest crocodile. He lives comfortably at Crocworld in Scottburgh, South Africa.
In the early 20th century, Henry became infamous due to a series of attacks on young children.
Sir Henry Neumann, a British explorer, captured the crocodile after these events, and Henry has spent the last three decades in captivity at Crocworld.
Over time, Oldest Crocodile, Henry has adapted to life in the conservation center, thriving and becoming the father of more than 10,000 hatchlings.
A notable life among crocs
Six partners and many offspring
Henry’s life is far from lonely. Alongside his six female partners, he has contributed to the birth of thousands of young crocodiles.
His significant reproductive success is a highlight of his time at the center.
Although Henry is the oldest, he doesn’t hold the title of the largest crocodile.
That honor goes to Cassius, a 17-foot-long saltwater crocodile residing at Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat in Queensland, Australia. Captured in 1984, Cassius was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in 2011 as the largest living saltwater crocodile.—
Nile crocodile behavior and characteristics
Dangerous predators
Nile crocodiles, like Henry, are responsible for hundreds of human deaths each year.
National Geographic reports that the proximity of their habitats to human populations leads to frequent encounters.
While their primary diet is fish, Nile crocodiles have been known to attack anything crossing their path, including zebras, birds, and even other crocodiles.
Life expectancy and size
In the wild, Nile crocodiles typically live up to 45 years, but this can extend to 80 years in captivity.
Reaching lengths of up to 20 feet and weighing as much as 1,650 pounds, they are among the largest reptiles on Earth.
These fearsome creatures are primarily found in Africa, Madagascar, and the Nile Basin, where they inhabit rivers, swamps, and marshes.
Unusual parenting in the animal Kingdom
Caring crocodile parents
Despite their fearsome reputation, Nile crocodiles display surprising care for their young.
Both males and females guard the nests after the eggs are laid.
Once the eggs are ready to hatch, parents gently roll them in their mouths to help the hatchlings emerge, demonstrating unusual nurturing tendencies for reptiles.
Henry’s life is a testament to the longevity and adaptability of Nile crocodiles, having thrived for over a century and fathered thousands of offspring.
His story, alongside the fascinating behavior of his species, offers a glimpse into the incredible lives of these ancient predators.
