Henry, the World’s Oldest Crocodile with Six Girlfriends Will Soon celebrate his 124th Birthday

He’s a monster croc with massive jaws that make him look like a living dinosaur. He has fathered over 10,000 offspring, yet Henry, the world’s oldest croc, is still going strong. At 123 years old, Henry is getting ready to celebrate his 124th birthday in South Africa; this centenarian’s life story stretches back to the 1900’s and is a living relic.

The Oldest Living Crocodile on Record

Henry was born on December 16, 1900, and holds the title of the world’s oldest living crocodile. A Nile saltie, Henry lives at Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh, South Africa. A real playboy, he’s had six girlfriends and sired 10,000 baby crocs, many of whom might have sired crocs of their own, making Henry a young 123-year-old grandad.

Henry’s Origins and Capture

Henry was a bit of a notorious guy in his younger days, terrorizing local villagers and gobbling up children in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where he was born. The famous English explorer and hunter Sir Henry Neumann captured the crocodile in 1903, naming him Henry too. Henry has lived in captivity ever since and landed at Crocworld in 1985. His life isn’t so bad, and like a pensioner, Henry enjoys being fed the best of food and basking in the sun.

A Father of Thousands

Despite his violent early reputation, Henry has embraced a quieter life in captivity. He now lives with six female crocodiles and has fathered more than 10,000 offspring during his time at Crocworld, adding significantly to conservation efforts.

Nile crocodiles, native to 26 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, are formidable apex predators. They are responsible for approximately 200 human fatalities annually, according to National Geographic. These reptiles can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh as much as 1,650 pounds. Their size, strength, and predatory instincts make them one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, capable of taking down prey as large as buffalo and even small hippos.

Longevity and Size

Henry measures 4.78 meters (16 feet) long and weighs a whopping 1543 pounds (700 kg). His remarkable longevity defies expectations for Nile crocodiles, who typically live around 70 to 100 years.

According to National Geographic, Nile crocodiles, found across 26 Sub-Saharan African countries, are apex predators responsible for around 200 human deaths annually. They can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh as much as 1,650 pounds.

Life at Crocworld Conservation Centre

Source: Wild Charles

Henry has lived at Crocworld for 30 years and remains active and healthy, displaying no signs of slowing down. The star attraction, Henry, is housed in a spacious enclosure where visitors can learn about his unique life history. His 124th birthday celebration on December 16 is expected to be a significant event at the center.

Henry Is the Oldest, But Not the Largest Crocodile

Though Henry holds the record for the oldest crocodile, surprisingly he isn’t the largest. That distinction goes to Cassius, a crocodile in Queensland, Australia, measuring over 17 feet. Unfortunately, Cassius died recently in Late October, 2024. Henry’s legacy as a father, elder, and conservation figure remains unmatched.

Nile Crocodiles Are Increasing, Thanks To Conservation

Nile crocodiles found across 26 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are surprisingly attentive parents, guarding their nests fiercely and even rolling eggs in their mouths to help hatchlings emerge. Once hunted nearly to extinction from the 1940s to the 1960s, their populations have rebounded thanks to protections. However, pollution, hunting, and habitat loss still threaten their numbers in some regions. Henry’s life is a testament to nature’s resilience, and his presence fascinates scientists and visitors alike.