Henry the giant crocodile celebrates 124th birthday after siring 10,000 babies.
Credit: Wild Charles | Facebook
Henry, the legendary Nile crocodile, celebrated his jaw-dropping 124th birthday on December 16 at Crocworld Conservation Centre in South Africa – and no, he doesn’t suffer from a reptile dysfunction. Scientists think Henry’s impressive longevity might be down to more than a generic abnormality or his chilled-out lifestyle.
Captured but thriving
Henry, weighing in at a gargantuan 700 KG (110 stone, or 1,540 pounds) and stretching an eye-watering 16.4 feet (5 metres), has been making waves since he was captured in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in 1903. But far from snapping under pressure, this cold-blooded Casanova has thrived in captivity at Crocworld in Scottburgh, South Africa, where he’s been ‘living the life’ since 1985.
While Henry’s exact hatch date is lost to history, Crocworld estimates he was born around 1900, making him a sprightly senior citizen of the animal kingdom.
Age-defying croc
But, this old-timer isn’t just lounging about in retirement. The world’s oldest known crocodile has lived a life of reptilian romance, fathering over 10,000 babies during his impressive reign.
Every year, Crocworld mark his big day with celebrations on December 16 – and what better reason to croc open the bubbly?
Reptile expert Steven Austad from the University of Alabama in the US described Henry’s age as ‘not inconceivable’ given crocodiles’ unique biology. “Whether he’s 100 or 130, we don’t really know,” Austad admitted, adding that reptiles’ cold-blooded nature helps conserve energy.
“A crocodile the same size as a human would only need to eat about 4% as much food as a mammal like us,” Austad explained. This energy efficiency, combined with Henry’s safe life in captivity, has helped him dodge the usual hazards that claim wild crocs – predators, disease, or accidents.
Henry’s hefty size also works in his favour, keeping him off the menu for any potential predators. At over 16 feet long, he’s sitting at the top of the food chain in his golden years.
The secrets to his success
Scientists suspect Henry’s impressive longevity might be down to more than his chilled-out lifestyle. Nile crocodiles are believed to have antibacterial proteins in their blood, giving them supercharged immune systems to fight infections and disease. Their gut microbiomes may also play a role in keeping them healthy as they age.
Unlike humans, crocodiles don’t show many physical signs of ageing. While we struggle to roll out of bed, Henry is still going strong, proving that reptile life might just be the fountain of youth.
Living beyond the lab coats
Studying reptiles like Henry is no easy task. Researchers would need to tag and track them from birth – a job that can take longer than the scientists’ careers.
Henry’s incredible story is a testament to these prehistoric predators. As the oldest croc on record, he’s not just surviving – he’s thriving. And with 10,000 descendants, it’s clear Henry’s legacy is as long as his snout.
Happy birthday, Henry – king of the swamp.
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