Top 7 Oldest Crocodiles In The World

Crocodiles are known for their longevity, and some individuals have been observed living for several decades in the wild and in captivity. These long-lived reptiles are remarkable examples of the adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive in their environments over extended periods.

In the wild, it's challenging to accurately determine the exact ages of crocodiles, as they do not have annual growth rings like trees. Instead, scientists often rely on indirect methods, such as size, reproductive status, and observations of long-term individuals, to estimate their ages.

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In captivity, crocodiles have been known to live longer due to the controlled environment and access to proper nutrition and veterinary care. Here we would like to share with you the top 7 oldest crocodiles in the world.

7. Gustave (1949)

Credit: Tier Zoo Wiki

One famous crocodile named Gustave gained international attention due to his massive size, reputedly large body count, and elusive nature. This Gustave is a Nile crocodile believed to be living in Burundi on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. 

While his exact age is not known, he is estimated to be several decades old, making him one of the oldest living crocodiles in the world. Reports suggest that he is around 20 feet (6 meters) in length and may have reached up to 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) in weight, although these figures are not confirmed.

Gustave's story has been the subject of documentaries, books, and media coverage, adding to his enigmatic and larger-than-life persona.

6. Hakuna (1930)

Credit: DutchNews

It was quite an unfortunate event for this crocodile as Hakuna passed away on March 2015 at the Bilijdorp Zoo in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Arriving at the zoo as a mature specimen in 1930, he was believed to have been a minimum of 85 years old, earning him the distinction of being the oldest crocodile in the zoo's chronicles.

Hakuna was a donation to the zoo, along with a female crocodile named Matata (who passed away in 2014), courtesy of the renowned actress and singer Josephine Baker.

Collectively, some of you might have heard of the moniker Hakuna Matata creating an African expression that translates to "no worries".

5. Big Daddy (~1916)

Credit: Kenyan Facts

This is one of the most ferocious and man-eating crocodiles on this list known as the Big Daddy. Big Daddy was apprehended in 1986 after attacking five individuals along the Tana River. His aggression was so pronounced that upon his relocation to Mamba Village, he devoured ten of his fellow crocodiles, prompting authorities to isolate him.

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Subsequently, his enclosure received the introduction of two female crocodiles, Sasha and Salma. Astonishingly, Big Daddy extended a warm reception to his new companions, even altering his eating habits to share his meals with them every Friday. 

In a surprising turn of events, Big Daddy formed a matrimonial bond with both Sasha and Salma, culminating in their union in December 2016.

4. Cassius (~1903)

Credit: ABC

This mighty beast holds the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest captive crocodile in the world boasting an impressive length of 5.48 meters (17 ft 11.75 in). He currently takes up residence at the Marineland Melanesia wildlife zoo on Green Island, Australia, where he shares his habitat with over 50 other crocodiles.

Having traveled an astounding distance of more than 3,200 km (approximately 1.988 miles) by truck from Australia's Northern Territory, Cassius arrived at the zoo. His journey began in 1984 when he was captured due to allegations of cattle theft and boat attacks.

In honor of his 112th birthday in 2015, Cassius was met with enthusiastic festivities, complete with a chicken-themed birthday cake to commemorate this momentous occasion. Bestowed with the name Cassius by George Craig, the individual responsible for Cassius' transfer to the Marineland Melanesia Zoo, the moniker pays homage to Cassius Clay, the birth name of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.

This name aligns aptly with Cassius' life story, marked by his resilience and the battles he has endured, evident from the missing leg and numerous battle scars that adorn his body.

3. Kolya (~1880)

Credit: Wikipedia

A male crocodile achieved an approximate lifespan of 110–115 years while under the care of a Russian zoo situated in Yekaterinburg. Bearing the name Kolya, he was introduced to the zoo's surroundings between 1913 and 1915, already mature, following his participation in an animal exhibition. Kolya's tenure persisted until 1995.

Similarly, a male freshwater crocodile managed to extend its existence to an estimated 120–140 years at the Australia Zoo. Fondly referred to as "Mr. Freshie," this crocodile was rescued circa 1970 by Bob Irwin and Steve Irwin, subsequent to sustaining gunshot injuries twice from hunters, resulting in the loss of one eye. "Mr. Freshie" continued to thrive until 2010.

Asserting their own claim, the Crocworld Conservation Centre, situated in Scottburgh, South Africa, puts forward a male Nile crocodile born in 1900. Given the name Henry, this crocodile is purported to have resided along the Okavango River in Botswana, as relayed by the center's director, Martin Rodrigues.

2. Henry (~1900)

Credit: Action News Jax

Henry, a notable Nile crocodile, has captured the attention and fascination of those intrigued by the remarkable lives of these ancient reptiles. Born in the year 1900, Henry has carved out a legacy that spans well over a century and remained one of the oldest crocodiles in the world.

The Crocworld Conservation Centre, situated in Scottburgh, South Africa, proudly claims Henry as one of its distinguished residents. A particular tribe sought the expertise of an elephant hunter referred to as Sir Henry, from whom the crocodiles took their name, to eliminate him.

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Following his capture in 1903, Henry was condemned to spend the entirety of his life in captivity.

Presently, Henry resides at the Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh, Kwa-Zulu Natal, where his birthdays are celebrated in a festive manner by caretakers and visitors alike. Festivities include the distribution of complimentary cupcakes and the provision of enjoyable activities like dancing and face painting.

1. Mr. Freshie (1870)

Credit: Cheezburger

In the 1970s, Mr. Freshie's life took a dramatic turn when he fell victim to the callous actions of hunters who inflicted gunshot wounds upon him, resulting in the loss of one eye. However, fate intervened when the renowned wildlife conservationists Bob Irwin and his son Steve Irwin stepped in to offer a lifeline to this injured reptile.

Rescued from the brink of disaster, Mr. Freshie was given a second chance at life. The Irwins' compassion and commitment to preserving wildlife brought Mr. Freshie to the Australia Zoo, a sanctuary that would become his new home.

Being lived for more than 140 years, Mr. Freshi was the oldest living crocodile in the world. Though Mr. Freshie has since passed away, his legacy lives on as a symbol of hope and inspiration. His story encourages us to recognize the significance of our actions in preserving the natural world.

Source:

• Sindo News

Also read: Top 7 Oldest Cats In The World