World’s Oldest Crocodile, Henry, Celebrates 124th Birthday in South Africa

Cape Town:The world’s oldest crocodile, Henry, celebrated his 124th birthday on Monday at the Croc World Conservation Centre in South Africa. This man-eating Nile crocodile has been residing at the sanctuary since 1985 and has fathered over 10,000 offspring. Henry’s life began in 1903 in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

According to *Live Science*, although his exact birth date remains unknown, Henry’s birthday is celebrated every year on December 16. The staff at Croc World estimate that he was born around the year 1900. Biologist Dr. Steven Ostead from the University of Alabama told *Live Science*, “It’s clear that he is very old. Whether he’s 100 years old or 130, it’s not hard to believe he could be 124.”

Famous for his large size and terrifying teeth, Henry is considered the largest living crocodile in the world. He weighs 700 kilograms and measures 16.4 feet in length. Reports indicate that Henry began his life as a terror for a local tribe near the Okavango River in Botswana, where he was responsible for eating several men and children. He was eventually captured by an elephant hunter named Sir Henry, who named him after himself. The tribal leaders sentenced Henry to captivity.

According to *NDTV*, Henry has spent the last three decades at the Croc World Conservation Centre in South Africa, where his age and size continue to astonish visitors. His life in captivity has contributed to his long lifespan, as he is provided with a steady diet and protection from accidents or diseases. Biologist Dr. Ostead explained that animals in safe environments tend to live longer.

Henry’s impressive life serves as a testament to both the resilience of nature and the importance of wildlife conservation.