Henry, the oldest living crocodile in the world at 123 years old, resides at the Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh, South Africa. Weighing a staggering 700 kg and stretching 16 feet long—about the size of a minibus—Henry is not only the oldest crocodile but also the oldest living reptile on record.
Henry’s life and legacy
Born on December 16, 1900, in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, Henry belongs to the species of Nile crocodiles, notorious for their deadly nature and prevalence across Sub-Saharan Africa. These formidable predators are responsible for many human deaths in the region, and Henry’s early years were marked by a notorious reputation.
In the early 1900s, Henry was a significant threat to local tribes in Botswana, reportedly preying on human children. His terrifying fang-like teeth and massive size made him a feared figure. Desperate to end his reign of terror, the tribes sought the help of a famed hunter, Sir Henry Neumann. Instead of killing the beast, Neumann captured Henry and sentenced him to a life of captivity, naming the giant crocodile after himself.
For the past 30 years, Henry has lived at the Crocworld Conservation Centre, where he continues to fascinate visitors with his enormous size and advanced age. Despite his dark past, he has become a beloved attraction, admired safely from a distance. Apart from his age, Henry is also known for having six “wives” and fathering over 10,000 babies, contributing significantly to the species’ population at the center.
Henry’s notable rivals
While Henry holds the record for the oldest living crocodile, the title of the largest crocodile belongs to Cassius, a 16-foot saltwater crocodile residing in Australia. Cassius was captured in 1984 and has since become a star attraction at the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat on Green Island, off the coast of Queensland.
Henry’s life is a remarkable blend of a fearsome past and a tranquil present, making him a living testament to the resilience and longevity of one of nature’s most formidable predators.