He Ate People, Fathered 10,000 Babies, and Just Turned 124 — Meet Henry
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Henry, a 124-year-old Nile crocodile in South Africa, was once a man-eater. Now he's the world's oldest croc and father to over 10,000 hatchlings
Crocodiles are widely regarded as some of the world's most dangerous aquatic animals, and none more so than the Nile crocodile, known for its size, strength, and predatory instincts. Among them, one has captured global attention: Henry, believed to be the oldest living crocodile in the world.
Henry, a Nile crocodile, recently celebrated his 124th birthday on December 16, 2024, at the Crocodile Conservation Centre (Crocworld) in South Africa. Once infamous for attacking and consuming humans, Henry is now a revered resident of the sanctuary and a symbol of wildlife conservation.
A Terrifying Beginning
According to Live Science, Henry was born around 1900 in Botswana's Okavango Delta. In his early years, he struck fear into nearby tribes with reports claiming he had attacked numerous men and children. His reign of terror ended in 1903, when he was captured by a hunter named Sir Henry Newman, after whom the crocodile was eventually named.
The World's Oldest Known Crocodile
Henry has lived at Crocworld since 1985. Weighing a massive 700 kg and stretching 16.4 feet, he shares his enclosure with six female crocodiles and has fathered over 10,000 offspring. Experts believe his longevity is due to the safe, stable environment at Crocworld and the quality of care he receives.
This is Henry, a Nile Crocodile. It is reported to be the oldest known croc in the world, born in 1900. pic.twitter.com/nmo0Q4iih4 — Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) September 12, 2024
Dr Steven Austad, a biologist at the University of Alabama, noted, '124 years is not impossible for a crocodile," adding that animals in protected environments often live significantly longer.
Crocodiles also possess several biological defences. The Nile crocodile's immune system is unusually strong, with proteins in their blood that fight bacteria and a gut microbiome that supports longevity.
Nile Crocodiles Across Africa
Nile crocodiles are found in 26 sub-Saharan African countries and are responsible for hundreds of human fatalities annually. Studying their lifespan is difficult because it requires tagging crocodiles from a young age and tracking them for decades. As Austad jokingly puts it, 'Crocodiles live longer than most scientists' careers."
Studying long-lived reptiles like Henry may help researchers understand more about ageing, immunity, and environmental adaptation.
Still A Star At 124
Henry continues to draw visitors to Crocworld thanks to his sheer size, intimidating teeth, and legendary backstory. In September 2024, a viral video featuring wildlife host Robert Alleva showed the presenter visibly nervous while approaching Henry, further fuelling public fascination.
Crocworld marks Henry's birthday each year with fanfare; free cupcakes, raffles, and celebratory events draw large crowds. More than just a crocodile, Henry now stands as a global symbol of conservation and biodiversity, proving that even nature's most fearsome creatures deserve protection and admiration.
First Published:
May 26, 2025, 14:32 IST
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