Most birthday parties don’t come with 10,000 screaming children and a toothy grin that spans nearly two metres. But then again, Henry is no ordinary celebrant. At a jaw-dropping 124 years old, this saltwater Casanova isn’t just South Africa’s oldest resident, he’s the world’s oldest living crocodile, and perhaps its most prolific reptilian Romeo. With a romantic resume boasting over 10,000 hatchlings and a libido that defies biology, Henry isn’t just a living fossil, he’s a living legend.
The Ancient Alpha of Crocworld
Henry calls home the Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, where he’s lived since 1985. Despite being well over a century old, the 5-metre, 500-kilogram Nile crocodile isn’t showing signs of slowing down. In fact, his caretakers threw him a reptile-sized rager for his 124th birthday in December 2024, complete with meat cakes and hundreds of admirers snapping selfies with the prehistoric heartthrob.
Born circa 1900, when Queen Victoria still sat on the British throne, Henry spent his early years as a rogue predator in Botswana, reportedly terrorising local cattle farmers before being captured. After decades of solitary confinement (some of it in a zoo), Henry found his true calling at Crocworld: not as a menace, but as a lover. And boy, did he deliver.
The Crocodile Who Found Love at 85
Henry’s astonishing love life began late at the age of 85, to be exact. That’s when he was introduced to a gaggle of female crocodiles at the centre, including his long-time favourite mate, June. To everyone’s surprise, Henry got to work with the enthusiasm of a teenage boy at schoolies. In the decades since, he’s fathered more than 10,000 babies, a number so impressive it earned him comparisons to Hugh Hefner, only with more teeth and fewer silk robes.
And he’s still going. Henry remains active in his breeding pool, charming female crocs with his ancient swagger and dominating with his alpha status. According to Martin Rodrigues, Crocworld’s manager, Henry is in “remarkable condition for his age,” with top-notch health and a temperament that’s both majestic and mildly terrifying.
More Than Just A Pretty Jawline
While Henry’s love life garners the headlines, his role in education and conservation is equally important. Visitors flock to Crocworld not just to gape at his size, but to learn about crocodilian biology and the importance of protecting habitats. Henry’s presence has inspired generations of children to care about wildlife, some of whom now bring their own kids back to meet the legend himself.
His caretakers ensure that Henry lives out his twilight years in comfort. He gets regular health checks, a tailored diet (heavy on the meat, light on the drama), and plenty of sunbathing time. Though he’s missing a few teeth and moves a little slower than he used to, Henry still rules his territory with the quiet confidence of a creature who’s literally seen it all.
The Legend Lives On
As crocodiles can live well past 100 in captivity, Henry’s record may be safe for some time yet. But it’s his extraordinary journey, from rogue predator to world-famous dad, that makes him the stuff of legend. In an era obsessed with youth, Henry is a sharp-toothed reminder that age isn’t just a number—it’s a flex.
And if you’re wondering whether there’ll be another 10,000 baby crocs in his future? Well, let’s just say… don’t count him out.
