Random Ancient Animals That Are Older Than Every Single Human On Earth (11 items)

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  (#9) Aldabra Giant Tortoise

  • Aldabrachelys gigantea

  Age: 182 Years

  These giant tortoises are native to the Seychelles Islands in the Indian ocean. Multiple specimens in captivity have lived over the 150 year mark, with one confirmed to be at least 182. The tortoise, named Jonathan, was brought to the British-owned island St. Helena in 1882 and is alive and well in 2017.

  Another aldabra tortoise estimated to be somewhere between 150 and 250 years old died in March 2006.
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  (#2) Jellyfish

  • Scyphozoa

  Age: ∞ Years

  This tiny jellyfish is no bigger than your pinky nail, but hidden within that tiny body is the key to immortality. When facing a threat, an adult immortal jellyfish can revert back to its larval stage and start life again. This process, called transdifferentiation, can be triggered by starvation, injuries, and other existential threats. This process can theoretically allow these jellies to live forever, although proving the age of any individual would be difficult.

  Though, some jellyfish are unable to revert back and can die, which obviously ends their immortal lifespan.
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  (#6) Bowhead Whale

  • Balaena mysticetus

  Age: 211 Years

  The oldest mammals in the world, bowhead whales, can live to be well over 200 years old. Researchers figured this out after finding traditional stone harpoons made by Alaskan natives stuck in the hides of living whales. Researchers ran tests on tissue samples from several bowheads and found four individuals who were well over 100 years old.

  The research also revealed these whales are highly resistant to age-induced diseased, which could be the reason they can live for so long.
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  (#8) Radiated Tortoise

  • Astrochelys radiata

  Age: 188 Years

  Tu'i Malila lived to be one of the oldest recorded tortoises of all time, spending most of his life Royal Palace of Tonga. Although the tortoise died in 1965 at the estimated age of 188, Tu'i Malila remains a legend to this day.

  It is believed the tortoise was given as a gift to the royal family of Tonga in 1777, when Captain James Cook visited on a voyage. Radiated tortoises are native to Madagascar and can grow to a moderate 35 pounds.
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  (#3) Cinachyra antarctica

  • Cinachyra antarctica

  Age: 15,000 Years

  The estimates for this animal's age are astounding but, if true, it would likely be the oldest living organism on the planet. Some scientists believe giant Arctic sponges can live for thousands of years. These sponges, which are in the group Hexactinellida, may owe their longevity to their slow growth rate and the frigid waters of the deep ocean. Some estimates put the age of individuals as high as 23,000-years-old, but most agree the number is likely inaccurate.

  Some researchers challenge all of the higher estimates given for this animals age, as scientists have been unable to definitively age these creatures.
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  (#11) Lobster

  • Nephropidae

  Age: 140 Years

  This amazing lobster caused a bit of controversy when it was discovered in 2008, mostly because it was almost served and eaten. The lobster was captured off the coast of Newfoundland and wound up in City Crab and Seafood, a New York City restaurant specializing in delicious crustaceans. The massive lobster weighed 20 pounds and was only released after members of PETA laid siege to the seafood joint.

  Although the extreme age may not be the most accurate estimation, it is true that lobsters grow their entire lives and age incredibly slowly. So hey, maybe George really was 140.

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