Emily Flores
Life abounds in the animal kingdom, and watching how animals interact with their surroundings is always fascinating. Interestingly, despite their unpredictable habitats, some creatures have such lengthy life spans that it’s hard not to be amazed. Here are 15 animals with surprising life expectancies.
African Elephant
Known for their intelligence and social bonds, African elephants can live up to 70 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-living mammals on the planet. These behemoths roam the savannas and forests of Africa, led by experienced matriarchs who pass down valuable knowledge through generations.
Galápagos Tortoise
With a lifespan exceeding 100 years, the Galápagos tortoise is one of the longest-lived vertebrates on Earth. Endemic to the Galápagos Islands, these iconic reptiles have adapted to their unique island habitats and can weigh up to 900 pounds, making them the largest tortoise species in the world.
Bowhead Whale
As one of the oldest living mammals on earth, the bowhead whale lives over 200 years in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. These massive marine creatures easily navigate the icy seas, using their thick blubber and massive heads to break through sea ice in search of food.
Koi Fish
It’s believed that koi fish can live up to 30 years in ideal conditions. Originating from Japan, these colorful carp species are popular additions to ornamental ponds and water gardens worldwide, where they captivate viewers with their graceful movements and vibrant colors.
Macaw
With a lifespan exceeding 50 years, macaws are among the longest-living parrot species in the world. These intelligent and social birds are native to the rainforests of Central and South America, where they form strong bonds with their mates and communicate through various vocalizations and colorful displays.
Red Sea Urchin
Despite their humble appearance, red sea urchins can live for over 200 years in the wild, making them Methuselahs among marine creatures. They graze on algae and serve as prey for various marine predators along the Pacific coast of North America.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Aldabra giant tortoises are unique to the Indian Ocean and can live over 150 years! These herbivorous reptiles are known for their massive size and distinctive saddle-shaped shells, which protect them from predators and harsh environmental conditions.
Greenland Shark
Sluggish movements and a slow growth rate characterize the sedentary lifestyle of the Greenland Shark, which lives in the cold Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic waters. Additionally, with a lifespan exceeding 400 years, the Greenland shark is the longest-living vertebrate on Earth.
Naked Mole Rat
Naked mole rats might look like a bunch of fragile creatures, but they have been documented to live for over three decades. The East African natives are highly adaptable, as their harsh habitats showcase their ability to thrive and survive.
Blue and Gold Macaw
The Blue and Gold Macaw is a beautiful creature that has graced many homes. The South American bird has little luck in the wild, but with proper care as a pet, the bird can live for 50 years or more.
Green Sea Turtle
As far as turtles go, the green sea turtle is one of the oldest living ones due to its incredible life expectancy. With over 80 years under its belt, this beauty is worth beholding.
African Grey Parrot
Many people would love to have a parrot as a household companion and the African Grey parrot is a popular choice. Not only because of its ability to mimic speech but also its long life. There have been numerous occasions where this particular breed has lived past 50 years in captivity.
Giant Tortoise
Among the Galapagos island’s resident species is the giant tortoise, which lives for over a century and a half. The massive creature likes to bide its time feeding on plant life as it shapes the vegetative landscape around it by dispersing seeds.
Horse
With proper care and attention, horses can live well into their 20s or even 30s, depending on their breed and individual health. Various breeds of horses have been domesticated for thousands of years and have served humanity in various capacities, from transportation and agriculture to sports and recreation.
Domestic Cat
While the average lifespan of a domestic cat is around 15 years, some felines can live well into their 20s or even 30s with proper care and nutrition. These beloved pets have been cherished by humans for centuries, offering companionship, comfort, and entertainment to millions of households worldwide.