World's oldest Nile crocodile in captivity turns 124

WHILE party attendees celebrated with cupcakes, Henry the Nile crocodile enjoyed a far meatier treat perfectly suited to the guest of honour.

Visitors gathered at the Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh, KZN on Monday to celebrate Henry’s incredible 124th birthday.

Believed to be the world’s oldest known Nile crocodile in captivity, Henry has been a resident at the centre since 1985.

Henry was born in the Okavango Delta in Botswana where he lived most of his life. He now shares his home with his many “wives”, and has fathered more than 10 000 offspring during his time at Crocworld alone.

Every year, the Crocworld team marks his momentous birthday with a big celebration on December 16.

This year, guests enjoyed cupcakes before singing Happy Birthday to a very content crocodile.

Susan Badat, Centre Manager at Crocworld Conservation Centre, expressed her pride in the iconic crocodile.

“Henry is not only the oldest crocodile at the centre but also one of the biggest, measuring almost 5 metres in length and weighing an estimated 750 kilograms,” Badat said.

While the average lifespan for a Nile crocodile in the wild is around 60 to 70 years, those in captivity, like Henry, can live much longer, she added.

Henry wasn’t the only celebrated croc on the day. His long-time friend, Colgate, also made an impression. Estimated to be in his 90s, Colgate is the second-biggest crocodile at Crocworld and another notable resident who captivates visitors.

Badat said Crocworld Conservation Centre plays a vital role in conservation, animal rehabilitation, and education. Crocworld also runs on-site breeding programmes to further the genetic diversity of threatened species.

“Some of the more recent breeding programmes include the once-endangered American Alligator, the Jackal Buzzard, Marabou Storks, and Cape Vultures,” Badat said.

Cape Times