Henry, the world’s oldest living crocodile. Celebrated 124 years birthday on December 16. His birthday was celebrated today at the World Crocodile Conservation Center in South Africa. The biggest thing is that how a crocodile can live for so many years, scientists do not understand.
It is known that the cannibalistic Nile crocodile Henry was born on December 16, 1900 and was brought to the Okavango Delta in Botswana in 1903. And for the past three decades, Henry has been living at the Crocworld Conservation Center.
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How the crocodile got its name Henry Hall
From 1900 to 1903, Henry claimed many lives, preying on many people and children. Enraged by this, the locals rose up to kill him. A famous hunter is summoned. The hunter was named Sir Henry Newman, who did not kill the crocodile but captured it, leaving it at the Crocodile Conservation Center a few years later. Henry has been living at the center ever since. The crocodile is also now named Henry after the same hunter.
It will surprise you to know that Henry fathered not 200,300 but 10,000 children and had six consorts. Accordingly, Henry lives with his entire family at the Crocworld Conservation Center. This adult crocodile weighs about 700 kg and is 16.4 feet long. And if Henry’s length is compared, he might be the size of a jeep.
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Henry’s longevity remains a mystery
Henry’s longevity has surprised scientists. University of Alabama biologist Steven Ustad spoke to Live Science about Henry’s age, saying Henry is clearly old. But it is not possible for a crocodile to live up to 124 years. Ustad also said that Henry’s lifestyle may have contributed to his longevity.
Needless to say, it is still difficult for scientists to determine Henry’s longevity. Some scientists believe that Henry’s immune system and gut microbiome are so strong that they are contributing to his longevity. Some say that Henry’s blood may have antibacterial properties, keeping him safe from infection and disease. This is why Henry’s life span is long.
