Humans may live for many decades, but some animals far surpass us when it comes to longevity. In the deep ocean and remote habitats, there are species that measure their lives not in decades but in centuries.
These creatures often have unique adaptations that slow ageing, resist disease, or protect them from predators, allowing them to thrive for lifespans we can barely imagine. Learning about them highlights just how diverse survival strategies can be across the animal kingdom.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Lifespans can vary within species depending on environment, genetics, and conditions. For precise scientific details, consult peer-reviewed research or trusted wildlife organisations.
1. Giant Tortoise
Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise living on St. Helena island, hatched around 1832 and continues plodding along today at 190+ years old. Giant tortoises from the Galápagos and Seychelles routinely surpass 150 years in both wild and captivity.
Their remarkable longevity stems from slow metabolisms and cells with exceptional resistance to damage. These gentle giants witnessed the Victorian era, both World Wars, and the entire digital revolution while simply munching vegetation and basking in the sun.
2. Macaw Parrot
High in the rainforest canopy, a flash of brilliant color signals the presence of a Macaw Parrot. Known for their intelligence and vibrant feathers, these birds can live up to 100 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-lived avian species.
Macaws are social creatures, forming strong bonds with their mates and families. Their vocal talents and playful antics endear them to many, while their longevity ensures they witness generations of human observers.
Their ability to mimic sounds and learn complex tasks demonstrates a unique kind of intelligence. Owning a Macaw is a lifelong commitment, as these birds often outlive their owners.
3. Red Sea Urchin
Spiky sentinels of kelp forests, red sea urchins can live over 200 years without showing signs of aging. Unlike humans, these crimson echinoderms don’t experience declining fertility or increased disease with age.
Scientists study these prickly centenarians to understand their biological immortality. Their cells continuously regenerate without degradation, and they maintain reproductive capabilities throughout their entire lives. A red urchin born during Napoleon’s era might still be harvesting algae off California’s coast today.
4. Koi Fish
Swimming in ornamental ponds across Asia, koi fish blend beauty with remarkable staying power. The oldest verified koi, a scarlet female named Hanako, lived 226 years in Japan, dying in 1977 after outliving several generations of her human caretakers.
Scientists determined her age by examining growth rings on her scales, similar to counting tree rings. Traditional Japanese families pass down these living jewels through generations, creating bonds that span centuries. Under proper care, many koi regularly surpass 100 years.
5. Lake Sturgeon
Living fossils of North American waterways, lake sturgeon swim through rivers and lakes for up to 150 years. These prehistoric-looking fish have remained virtually unchanged for over 100 million years, outlasting dinosaurs and countless other species.
Female sturgeons don’t even reach reproductive maturity until their late 20s, and then spawn only every 4-6 years. Their armored bodies and cartilaginous skeletons withstand centuries of environmental changes. Some sturgeon swimming today hatched when Abraham Lincoln was president.
6. Tuatara
Ancient relics of prehistoric times, tuataras look like lizards but belong to an entirely separate reptile order that flourished 200 million years ago. Native only to New Zealand, these living fossils regularly reach 100 years while continuing to grow throughout their lives.
Henry, a famous tuatara, became a father for the first time at age 111. Their incredibly slow metabolism, they breathe only once per hour, contributes to their extended lifespans. With their distinctive spiny crests and third “eye” (a light-sensitive spot on their heads), tuataras represent one of evolution’s most enduring success stories.
7. African Elephant
Towering over the African savannah, the African Elephant exudes wisdom and grace. These gentle giants can live up to 70 years in the wild, with their complex social structures mirroring human societies.
Elephants are known for their remarkable memories, capable of recognizing friends and foes even after decades. Their matriarchal herds are led by the eldest female, whose leadership is crucial for survival.
The African Elephant’s role as a keystone species cannot be overstated. They shape their environment, creating water holes and pathways used by other animals.
8. American Lobster
Scuttling along the North Atlantic seafloor, American lobsters grow continuously throughout their potential 100+ year lives. Unlike humans, they show negligible senescence, they don’t biologically deteriorate with age.
Their cells produce telomerase throughout their lives, an enzyme that repairs DNA damage associated with aging. Even more remarkably, older female lobsters become more fertile with age, producing more eggs than younger individuals. Without fishing pressure, these crustaceans could theoretically continue growing and reproducing indefinitely.
9. Rougheye Rockfish
Beneath the chilly waters of the North Pacific, rougheye rockfish hover among rocky reefs for over 200 years. These deep-dwelling fish grow incredibly slowly, taking decades to reach reproductive maturity.
Scientists determine their age by counting growth rings in ear bones called otoliths, similar to tree rings. Their blood contains specialized antifreeze compounds that prevent cell damage in cold waters. Some rougheyes swimming in Alaskan waters today were alive when the United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867.
10. Galapagos Land Iguana
On the rugged Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos Land Iguana basks in the sun’s warmth. These iguanas can live for over 60 years, a testament to their adaptability in such a harsh environment.
Their diet consists mainly of prickly pear cacti, which they consume with surprising ease. This specialized diet sustains them through the islands’ dry seasons, showcasing their resilience and resourcefulness.
The Galapagos Land Iguana’s dinosaur-like appearance adds to its allure. As guardians of the islands, they play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance.
