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Henry, The World’s Oldest Living Crocodile and Dad of 10,000 Babies, Celebrates his 124th Birthday

Henry at 116 years old
Henry at 116 years old. Source: Facebook, Upload: Crocworld Conservation Center

In the heart of South Africa’s Crocworld Conservation Centre, a remarkable resident named Henry has just celebrated his 124th birthday on December 16th.  This gigantic Nile crocodile, born around 1900 in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, has not only reached an impressive age but has also fathered over 10,000 offspring during his time at the center. That’s right, Henry is huge, he is way past 100 and he is a proud daddy of 10,000 babies. Now that is quite an achievement.

Henry’s History

The Worlds Oldest Crocodile named Henry is Larger than You'd Think
Henry showing off his teeth via Channel 5, YouTube.

Henry’s life began in the lush wetlands of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Botswana. This vast inland delta is known for its rich biodiversity, providing an ideal habitat for Nile crocodiles. In his early years, Henry became notorious for preying on local villagers, leading to his capture in 1903 by hunter Sir Henry Neumann, after whom he was named.

Capture and Relocation to South Africa

Henry the world's oldest crocodile celebrates 124th birthday
Henry the world’s oldest crocodile celebrates 124th birthday. Source: YouTube, Upload: Crocworld Conservation Center

Following his capture, Henry was relocated to South Africa, where he eventually found a permanent home at the Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh in 1985. The center has provided a safe environment for Henry, allowing him to thrive and contribute significantly to the Nile crocodile population through their breeding program.

Life at Croc world Conservation Centre

Henry basking in the sun
Henry basking in the sun. Source: Facebook, Upload: Crocworld Conservation Center

At Crocworld, Henry shares his enclosure with six female crocodiles, fathering over 10,000 offspring. His impressive size—measuring 16.4 feet (5 meters) in length and weighing 1,540 pounds (700 kilograms)—makes him one of the largest residents at the center. Visitors are often captivated by his presence, and he has become a symbol of the center’s conservation efforts. According to scientists, Henry is unusually large and somehow has been growing with age.

Celebrating a Milestone Birthday

Henry at 116 years old
Henry at 116 years old. Source: Facebook, Upload: Crocworld Conservation Center

On December 16, 2024, the Crocworld Conservation Centre celebrated Henry’s h special events and educational programs highlighting his life and the importance of crocodile conservation. While the exact date of his birth is unknown, the center has chosen this date to honor him annually.

The Secret to Henry’s Longevity

Henry's powerful jaws
Henry’s powerful jaws. Source: reddit, Upload: r/tailungfu

Reptiles like Henry are known for their impressive longevity, often attributed to nature, which allows them to conserve energy by relying on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Additionally, living in a protected environment like Crocworld, with regular meals and medical care, has likely contributed to Henry’s long life. There are also scientific theories that the blood of Nile crocodiles contains proteins which may have antibacterial properties to help them fight off infections and disease. Some researchers feel their gut microbiome could also be improving their immunity.

Nile Crocodiles: A Species Overview

Closeup View of a Nile Crocodile in Captivity
Closeup View of a Nile Crocodile in Captivity. Taking a Sunbath. Image by mahmoodd79@gmail.com via Depositphotos.

Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) are native to freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and marshlands. They are apex predators, known for their powerful jaws and ambush hunting techniques. Despite their fearsome reputation, Nile crocodiles play a crucial role in their ecosystems by controlling fish populations and scavenging carrion.

Conservation Efforts and Public Education

Nile crocodiles sunning themselves in Crocworld
Nile crocodiles sunning themselves in Crocworld. Source: Facebook, Upload: Crocworld Conservation Center

The Crocworld Conservation Centre is dedicated to the preservation and education of crocodile species. Through breeding programs, public exhibits, and educational outreach, the center aims to raise awareness about the importance of crocodiles in the ecosystem and the challenges they face due to habitat loss and human conflict.

Looking Forward: Henry’s Legacy

Henry, The World’s Oldest Living Crocodile and Dad of 10,000 Babies, Celebrates his 124th Birthday
Happy Birthday Henry. Source: YouTube, Upload: Wild Charles.

As Henry continues to thrive at 124 years old, he serves as a testament to the resilience of his species and the success of conservation efforts. His story inspires visitors and underscores the importance of protecting these ancient reptiles for future generations.