Henry the crocodile has made quite the name for himself – and for all the right reasons. He’s the oldest croc in the world ruling the reptile kingdom at his conservation center for over thirty years, like a true legend.
Henry will soon be celebrating his 124th birthday, and he’s still as lively as ever. Despite his age, this old croc hasn’t lost any of his spark. He’s still going strong and showing no signs of slowing down.
Born way back in 1900, this giant has grown to an enormous 16 feet in length. But his story is much more than just a record-breaking age.
In his younger days, Henry gained notoriety for several scary incidents involving children before his reign of terror eventually led to his capture.
But it’s a different kind of legacy that Henry’s built in recent years. Now, instead of being feared, he’s become the star attraction.
At his advanced age, you’d think he’d be taking it easy, enjoying his retirement. But not Henry.
He’s fathered more than 10,000 hatchlings and has six “girlfriends” who keep him plenty busy. Each day, Henry’s caretakers watch in awe as he continues to show an incredible vitality and zest for life.
But even though he holds the title of the oldest crocodile, Henry’s not the largest one. That crown belongs to Cassius who measures an astonishing 17 feet. Cassius might have size on his side, but Henry’s age and charm make him a little more special.
Crocodiles like Henry are known for their aggressive nature and are often responsible for tragic encounters with humans. But there’s a side to them that surprises many.
Both males and females guard their nests, ensuring the safety of their eggs. And when it’s time for the babies to hatch, these so-called monsters gently roll the eggs in their mouths to help them break free.
So, despite his fierce nature, Henry is a quite devoted dad. It’s surprising to see such a powerful predator showing off his softer side as he looks after his young ones.
Henry’s life has really come full circle: from a feared predator in the wild to a proud dad in captivity. Each day he swims through his habitat, showing off his strength and stature, while thousands of visitors stare in wonder.
Henry may be over a century old, but he’s far from done. He continues to write new chapters in his extraordinary story!