World's Oldest Crocodile: Meet Henry, the 16-Feet Croc With 6 Wives and 10,000 Babies

At 123 years old, Henry the Nile crocodile holds the title of the world's oldest known crocodile in captivity. Standing 16 feet long and weighing in at over 700 kilograms, Henry lives at Crocworld Conservation Centre in South Africa, where he has become a celebrated local and international figure.

Henry is not just notable for his age-he is also a prolific breeder. Over the decades, he has fathered more than 10,000 crocodile babies with six different mates. His story of longevity and fertility has made him a standout among wildlife experts and a central figure in crocodile conservation efforts.

World's Oldest Crocodile

Born in 1900, Henry the crocodile shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to live a comfortable life under expert care. Though Henry now lives a relaxed life at the conservation center, his early years were far more tumultuous. Before his capture in 1985, Henry was considered a "problem" crocodile in the rivers of South Africa.

His reputation stemmed from his alleged attacks on livestock and even humans, causing fear among local communities. Eventually, Henry was captured and brought to Crocworld, where he adapted well to captivity. By fathering over 10,000 offspring, Henry has directly contributed to the species' population, ensuring a future for these ancient reptiles in both the wild and captivity.

Henry's Legacy in Conservation

Henry's offspring represent a major contribution to crocodile conservation.

Crocodiles are known for producing large numbers of eggs-often around 50 to 60 per clutch-but only a fraction of the hatchlings survive to adulthood in the wild due to predation and environmental factors. However, the controlled environment at Crocworld has increased the survival rate of Henry's offspring, ensuring that more of his young make it to maturity.

Over the years, his six mates have played an essential role in this success. Together with Henry, they have helped boost the population of Nile crocodiles, which, although not endangered, still face threats from habitat destruction and human conflict.

Henry's journey from a feared predator to a conservation success story highlights the role that wildlife sanctuaries play in preserving species and educating the public. His life at Crocworld Conservation Centre has not only provided him with a safe and nurturing environment but also allowed conservationists to study and better understand the behavior and needs of Nile crocodiles.