World’s oldest crocodile Henry turns 124 at Crocworld

Henry, the world’s oldest crocodile, has six female companions and has sired over 10,000 offspring. Born in 1900, he will celebrate his 124th birthday on 16 December. Originally from the Okavango Delta in Botswana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Henry now resides at Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh, South Africa.

Stretching an impressive 16ft, Henry holds the title of the oldest crocodile globally. Early in the 20th century, he gained notoriety for a series of attacks on young children. British explorer Sir Henry Neumann captured him after these incidents. For the past 30 years, Henry has lived at Crocworld, where he has fathered thousands of hatchlings with his six partners.

Despite his age, Henry isn’t the largest crocodile. That distinction belongs to Cassius at Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat in Queensland, Australia. Measuring over 17ft, Cassius was captured in 1984 and was recognised by Guinness World Records in 2011 as the largest living saltwater crocodile.

Nile crocodiles, according to National Geographic, are notorious for causing numerous human fatalities annually. Living near human habitats results in frequent encounters. Estimates suggest Nile crocodiles might be responsible for up to 200 deaths each year.

Their diet primarily consists of fish, but they attack various animals, including zebras, small hippos, porcupines, birds, and other crocodiles. They also scavenge and can consume up to half their body weight in one feeding.

In the wild, Nile crocodiles typically live up to around 45 years, but in captivity, their lifespan can extend to 80 years. They often grow up to 20ft long and can weigh as much as 1,650 pounds. These crocodiles inhabit rivers, marshes, and swamps across Africa, the Nile Basin, and Madagascar.

Interestingly, both male and female Nile crocodiles exhibit unique parenting behaviour. They guard their nests and gently roll the eggs in their mouths to assist hatching.