Archive · 25 May 2025
124-Year-Old Crocodile: Henry, the Legend of South Africa
Henry, a 124-year-old Nile crocodile, is likely the oldest living crocodile.
He lives in South Africa and has fathered over 10,000 offspring.
He was born around 1900 in Botswana and was known for allegedly attacking humans.
He was captured by an elephant hunter and has lived at Crocworld Conservation Centre since 1985.
Experts believe his longevity is due to a safe environment and his biology, potentially including antibacterial blood properties.
Nile crocodiles, in general, can live a very long time.
These animals have prehistoric origins.
Henry, a Nile crocodile, is estimated to be 124 years old.
He resides at the Crocworld Conservation Centre in South Africa.
Henry was born in the Okavango Delta, Botswana around 1900.
He has fathered more than 10,000 baby crocodiles.
Henry is possibly the oldest living crocodile ever recorded.
- Who
- Henry, a Nile crocodile; also Sir Henry, the elephant hunter; and Steven Austad, a biologist.
- What
- Henry, a Nile crocodile, is celebrating his 124th birthday.
- When
- Henry's birthday is celebrated on December 16th; he was born around 1900.
- Where
- Crocworld Conservation Centre in South Africa, and originally from the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
- Why
- His age and survival are of interest to biologists.
- Age
- 124 years old (approx.)
- Species
- Nile crocodile
- Location
- Crocworld Conservation Centre, South Africa
- Origin
- Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Offspring
- More than 10,000
- Weight
- 700 kilograms
- Length
- 16.4 feet