Crocodiles typically live between 25 and 70 years in the wild, with the Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) being the longest-living species, often reaching around 70 years on average
. In captivity, crocodiles can live significantly longer, with some individuals documented to live over 100 years. For example, Cassius, a saltwater crocodile in captivity, is estimated to be around 120 years old and remains healthy
. Other captive crocodiles have reportedly lived up to 140 years
. Interestingly, crocodiles do not die from biological aging in the usual sense; they exhibit negligible senescence, meaning they do not experience the typical cellular aging process. Instead, they continue to grow throughout their lives and eventually die due to external factors such as disease, injury, or starvation when they can no longer hunt enough food to sustain their large bodies
. In summary:
- Wild crocodile lifespan: 25–70 years (Saltwater crocodiles up to ~70 years)
- Captive crocodile lifespan: up to 100–140 years documented
- They do not die of old age but from external causes
- Exhibit negligible biological aging, continuing to grow throughout life
