In a remarkable feat of longevity, Henry, a Nile crocodile, has been recognised as the world’s oldest living crocodile at 123 years old. Weighing a staggering 700 kg and stretching 16 feet in length, Henry’s life story is as extraordinary as his age.
Born on December 16, 1900, in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Henry’s early years were marked by a notorious reputation. According to local legend, he was responsible for preying on human children, a claim that earned him the title of a man-eater among the tribes of Botswana. His fearsome nature, combined with his formidable size and terrifying fang-like teeth, made him a target for elimination.
The tribes, desperate to end Henry’s reign of terror, turned to the renowned hunter Sir Henry Neumann, who eventually captured the massive reptile. Instead of killing the beast, Neumann chose to confine Henry to a life of captivity, a decision that would forever alter the crocodile’s fate.
For the last 30 years, Henry has resided at the Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh, South Africa. Here, he has become a star attraction, drawing visitors who marvel at his immense size and venerable age. Despite his dark past, Henry’s current existence is one of calm, as he spends his days basking in the sun and occasionally fathering hatchlings with his six “wives.” To date, Henry has sired over 10,000 babies, making him not only the oldest but also one of the most prolific crocodiles in captivity.
Nile crocodiles, like Henry, are found across 26 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. These apex predators are known for their aggressive behaviour and are responsible for hundreds of human fatalities in the region each year. Despite their fearsome reputation, Nile crocodiles are also an essential part of the ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their habitats.
While Henry holds the title of the oldest crocodile, he is not the largest. That distinction belongs to Cassius, a 16-foot saltwater crocodile residing in Australia. Captured in 1984, Cassius has become a star at the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat on Green Island, Queensland. Though slightly shorter than Henry, Cassius is recognised for his incredible size and strength.
Henry’s life, marked by his transformation from a feared predator to a beloved zoo inhabitant, serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between humans and wildlife. His story, spanning more than a century, continues to fascinate and inspire those who encounter him at Crocworld, where he stands as a living testament to the resilience and longevity of nature’s most formidable creatures.
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