In a world where human lifespans rarely exceed a century, the animal kingdom boasts remarkable examples of longevity that dwarf our own existence. From ancient reptiles that witnessed the rise and fall of empires to marine creatures that have silently observed centuries of oceanic change, these extraordinary living beings challenge our understanding of time and mortality. This article explores 14 of the oldest living animals ever recorded, creatures whose lifespans span not just decades, but centuries—and in some cases, millennia. These remarkable organisms offer scientists valuable insights into the aging process, evolutionary adaptations, and the biological mechanisms that allow certain species to far outlive others. Join us as we journey through time to discover the world’s most enduring animal inhabitants, whose lives connect our present to a distant past.
Jonathan the Seychelles Giant Tortoise (1832-Present)
Currently residing on the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean, Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise holds the title of the oldest known living land animal. Born approximately in 1832, Jonathan has lived through significant historical events including the Victorian era, both World Wars, and the entire digital revolution. Photographic evidence from 1886 shows him at his fully mature size, confirming his exceptional age. At about 190 years old, Jonathan has far exceeded the typical lifespan of his species, which usually ranges from 80 to 150 years. Despite being blind from cataracts and having lost his sense of smell, Jonathan maintains a good quality of life under the careful supervision of his caretakers at the governor’s residence on St. Helena. His longevity is attributed to the slow metabolism characteristic of giant tortoises, their efficient immune systems, and their ability to store water and survive long periods without food.
Ming the Ocean Quahog Clam (1499-2006)
Ming, named after the Chinese dynasty during which it was born, was an ocean quahog clam (Arctica islandica) discovered off the coast of Iceland in 2006. Scientists determined Ming’s age by counting the growth rings on its shell, similar to dating a tree, revealing it to be an astonishing 507 years old at the time of its discovery. Unfortunately, researchers were unaware of the clam’s extreme age when they opened its shell for study, inadvertently ending its life. Before its death, Ming had lived through the European Renaissance, the founding of the United States, and the dawn of the digital age. Ocean quahogs achieve such remarkable longevity through extremely slow metabolic rates and cellular processes that resist the telomere shortening associated with aging. Ming’s discovery significantly expanded our understanding of how some marine invertebrates can achieve life spans spanning multiple centuries.
Harriet the Galápagos Tortoise (1830-2006)
Harriet, a Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis niger) with a fascinating history, lived to the impressive age of 175 years. According to popular accounts, she was collected by Charles Darwin himself during his famous voyage on the HMS Beagle in 1835, though this claim remains disputed among historians. Regardless of her exact origins, Harriet spent the majority of her extraordinarily long life in Australia, eventually finding her final home at Australia Zoo under the care of Steve Irwin and his family. Throughout her life, Harriet grew to a substantial size, weighing approximately 150 kg (330 pounds) and became a beloved attraction, helping to educate the public about tortoise conservation. She passed away in 2006 from heart failure after a brief illness. Like other tortoise species, Harriet’s longevity can be attributed to her slow metabolism, excellent immune system, and the ability to efficiently use limited resources—evolutionary adaptations that allow these remarkable reptiles to far outlive most vertebrate species.
Tu’i Malila, the Radiated Tortoise (1777-1965)
Tu’i Malila holds a special place in recorded animal longevity as one of the best-documented cases of exceptional lifespan. This radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) was reportedly given as a gift to the royal family of Tonga by Captain James Cook in 1777. For nearly two centuries, Tu’i Malila lived under royal care in Tonga, becoming a national treasure and a living connection to the island’s history. When the tortoise finally passed away in 1965, it had reached the remarkable age of 188 years. Throughout its long life, Tu’i Malila witnessed the complete transformation of Tonga from an isolated kingdom to a modern nation. The tortoise’s remains are now preserved in the royal palace in Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, where they continue to be viewed as a significant historical artifact. Radiated tortoises are native to Madagascar and are known for their striking shell patterns and potential for exceptional longevity when properly cared for.
Adwaita the Aldabra Giant Tortoise (c.1750-2006)
Adwaita, whose name means “one and only” in Sanskrit, was an Aldabra giant tortoise believed to have been born around 1750 in the Seychelles Islands. According to historical records, Adwaita was brought to India as a gift for Lord Robert Clive of the British East India Company and eventually housed at Alipore Zoological Gardens in Kolkata. When Adwaita died in 2006, carbon dating of his shell suggested he was approximately 255 years old, making him potentially one of the oldest tortoises ever recorded. Weighing around 250 kg (550 pounds), Adwaita lived through the entirety of British colonial rule in India and witnessed the country’s independence and modern development. His diet consisted primarily of wheat bran, carrots, lettuce, soaked gram, bread, grass, and salt, maintained by his dedicated caretakers. Adwaita’s remarkable longevity highlights the extraordinary lifespan potential of Aldabra giant tortoises, which possess genetic adaptations that protect against cancer and optimize cellular repair mechanisms.
Hanako the Koi Fish (1751-1977)
Hanako, whose name means “flower girl” in Japanese, was a scarlet koi fish (Cyprinus carpio) that lived in the fresh waters of Japan for an extraordinary 226 years. Her age was determined through the scientific analysis of her scales, a process similar to counting tree rings, conducted by Dr. Komei Koshihara. Born in 1751 during Japan’s Tokugawa period, Hanako lived through the entire modernization of Japan, from the samurai era through World War II and into the late 20th century. She passed away in July 1977, having been under the care of several generations of the same family. At the time of her death, Hanako was relatively small for her species at 70 cm (27.6 inches) long, weighing 7.5 kg (16.5 pounds). Koi fish generally live between 25-35 years, making Hanako’s lifespan truly exceptional. Scientists attribute the longevity potential in koi to their ability to slow their metabolism in colder temperatures, their efficient immune systems, and genetic factors that contribute to cellular repair mechanisms.
Henry the Tuatara (c.1870-Present)
Henry the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) represents one of the world’s most ancient reptile lineages, with tuataras often called “living fossils” because they have remained largely unchanged for over 200 million years. Born approximately in 1870, Henry resides at the Southland Museum in New Zealand and has reached the impressive age of around 150 years. What makes Henry’s story particularly remarkable is that he became a father for the first time at the estimated age of 111 years in 2009, after a tumor was removed from his genitals that had previously prevented breeding. Tuataras possess several unique biological characteristics that may contribute to their longevity, including a slow metabolism, body temperatures that can operate at lower ranges than most reptiles, and the ability to continue growing throughout their lives, albeit very slowly after reaching maturity. Henry’s continued health and virility well into his second century make him an invaluable subject for scientists studying aging and reproductive biology in long-lived species.
Lin Wang the Asian Elephant (1917-2003)
Lin Wang, affectionately known as “Grandpa Lin,” holds the record as the oldest Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in history, living to the remarkable age of 86. Born in 1917, Lin Wang began his unusual life as a working elephant for the Japanese army during World War II. Following Japan’s surrender, he was captured by the Chinese and eventually transferred to Taiwan’s Taipei Zoo in 1954, where he became the most beloved animal attraction in the country’s history. When Lin Wang died of multiple organ failure in 2003, Taiwan held a televised memorial service attended by thousands of visitors, demonstrating his cultural significance. During his lifetime, Lin Wang grew to an impressive size, standing about 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) tall and weighing approximately 5 tons. His extraordinary lifespan far exceeded the typical Asian elephant life expectancy of 48 years in captivity. Scientists attribute Lin Wang’s longevity to excellent care, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and possibly genetic factors that delayed the onset of age-related diseases common in elephants.
Wisdom the Laysan Albatross (c.1951-Present)
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis), holds the distinction of being the oldest known wild bird in the world. First banded by researchers in 1956 when she was already an adult (at least 5 years old), Wisdom is estimated to have hatched around 1951, making her over 70 years old as of 2023. She returns annually to Midway Atoll in the North Pacific to nest, having raised at least 30-35 chicks throughout her lifetime. What makes Wisdom’s story particularly remarkable is that she continues to successfully reproduce into her old age, most recently laying and hatching an egg in 2021 when she was approximately 70 years old. Scientists estimate that Wisdom has flown over 3 million miles in her lifetime, equivalent to six round trips to the Moon. Her exceptional longevity has provided researchers with unprecedented insights into albatross biology, behavior, and adaptation to environmental changes. Wisdom has outlived several mates and even some of the researchers who first tagged her, becoming a symbol of wildlife resilience and a powerful ambassador for seabird conservation efforts worldwide.
Muja the American Alligator (c.1937-Present)
Muja, an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) residing at the Belgrade Zoo in Serbia, holds the record as the oldest living alligator in captivity. Arriving at the zoo in 1937, Muja has survived through World War II, the Cold War, the Balkan conflicts, and countless political changes in Serbia, remaining a constant presence for generations of visitors. In 2012, Muja faced a serious health challenge when a gangrene infection necessitated the partial amputation of one of his front legs, but he recovered remarkably well and continues to thrive. At approximately 85 years old, Muja has far exceeded the typical lifespan of wild alligators, which generally live 30-50 years. His longevity is attributed to excellent veterinary care, a controlled environment without predators, a consistent diet, and the inherently slow metabolism of crocodilians. As a species, alligators possess remarkable immune systems capable of fighting off severe infections and have shown cancer-resistant properties that interest medical researchers. Muja’s exceptional age demonstrates the potential longevity of reptiles when provided with optimal living conditions.
Harapan, the Greater Sumatran Rhinoceros (c.1836-1935)
While not currently living, Harapan holds a significant place in the record books as one of the longest-lived rhinoceros ever documented. This Greater Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) lived for an extraordinary 99 years, far exceeding the typical 35-40 year lifespan of wild rhinos. Born around 1836 in the dense rainforests of Sumatra, Harapan was captured in 1843 and spent most of his life in various European zoological collections before ultimately residing at London Zoo. Through careful analysis of historical records and veterinary documentation, researchers were able to verify his exceptional age when he passed away in 1935. During his lifetime, Harapan grew to weigh approximately 1,800 pounds, relatively large for his species. His remarkable longevity is attributed to consistent veterinary care, absence of predators, and a nutritionally balanced diet that was carefully adjusted throughout his life stages. Harapan’s case remains particularly valuable to conservation scientists studying the biological potential of rhinoceros species, many of which are now critically endangered.
Orange Roughy (Up to 250 Years)
The orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus), while not an individual named specimen, deserves mention as a species with exceptional longevity. These deep-sea fish typically live between 150-250 years, with some individuals possibly reaching ages exceeding 250 years. Native to the deep waters (500-1,500 meters) of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, orange roughy weren’t commercially fished until the 1970s, when technological advances allowed deep-sea trawling. Scientists determine their age by examining growth rings in their otoliths (ear bones), similar to counting tree rings. The species reaches sexual maturity exceptionally late, typically between 20-40 years of age, which has contributed to their vulnerability to overfishing. Orange roughy achieve their remarkable longevity through extremely slow metabolism, adaptation to cold, high-pressure environments, and biological mechanisms that limit cellular damage. Their flesh contains compounds that act as natural antifreeze and antioxidants, potentially contributing to their extended lifespan. The extreme longevity of orange roughy has become a critical factor in developing sustainable fishing regulations, as their slow reproduction rate means populations can take decades to recover from overharvesting.
Greenland Shark (Up to 500 Years)
The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) stands as possibly the longest-lived vertebrate species on Earth, with individuals estimated to live between 300-500 years. These massive sharks, which can grow up to 24 feet long and weigh over 2,000 pounds, inhabit the cold, deep waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Scientists determine their age through radiocarbon dating of the crystals in their eye lenses, which form during prenatal development and remain unchanged throughout their lives. In 2016, researchers examined a 16-foot female Greenland shark and determined it to be approximately 392 years old, with a possible age range between 272 and 512 years. These sharks grow at an extraordinarily slow rate of less than 1 cm per year and don’t reach sexual maturity until around 150 years of age. Their extreme longevity is attributed to very slow metabolism (they swim at less than 1 mph), adaptation to cold temperatures (often below freezing), and unique biochemical processes that prevent cellular damage. The Greenland shark’s remarkable lifespan means individuals swimming today may have been alive during the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolution, and even the Protestant Reformation.
Antarctic Sponge (Up to 15,000 Years)
Among all living animals on Earth, certain species of Antarctic sponges (particularly Anoxycalyx joubini) represent the extreme end of longevity, with some specimens estimated to be between 5,000-15,000 years old. These simple, multi-cellular animals grow at the incredibly slow rate of less than 0.2 mm per year in the frigid, stable waters surrounding Antarctica. Scientists determine their age by measuring their size and calculating growth rates based on environmental conditions and silicon isotope analysis. One particularly ancient specimen discovered in the McMurdo Sound region was calculated to be approximately 15,000 years old, meaning it has lived since before the end of the last Ice Age. These extraordinary creatures achieve such remarkable longevity through extremely low metabolic rates, cellular processes that efficiently repair DNA damage, and living in an environment with few predators and minimal environmental fluctuations. As some of the most basic animals on the evolutionary tree, sponges possess biological simplicity that contributes to their longevity—they lack organs.
Conclusion:
The extraordinary lifespans of these animals, from the deep-sea Greenland shark to the ancient Antarctic sponge, challenge our perceptions of aging and mortality. Their longevity not only fascinates but also serves a critical scientific purpose—offering unique insights into biology, evolution, and the mechanisms of aging. These long-lived species demonstrate that life can persist across centuries and even millennia, often in harsh, isolated, or stable environments where slow metabolism and efficient biological systems become key to survival. As we continue to study these ancient creatures, they may help unlock secrets to extending lifespan and improving health—not just for animals, but potentially for humans as well. In their endurance, they offer a bridge to Earth’s deep past and a valuable window into the resilience of life itself.
As a little kid, I fell in love with nature, wildlife, and animals. Living in the USA, South Africa, Italy, China and Germany gave me the opportunity to discover the world's Wildlife. My favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Siberian Tigers, and Great White Sharks.
I'm a certified PADI Open Water Diver, went to Everest Base Camp and Trekked Gorillas in Uganda. I hold a Master of Science in Economics and Finance.
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