Have you ever wondered which is the longest living animal on the Earth and how you can compare the human lifespan to other animals?
Today, we’re going to discuss in detail the life span of some noticeable animals. From the House Mouse with a life span of 6 months to the Greenland Shark that lives for almost 500 years, today’s article is going to be full of knowledge and fun. So, without further delay, let’s get straight into it.
What Animal Can Live the Longest?
The longest living animal is the Greenland Shark. It has a lifespan of approximately 500 years. But to your shock, there is one infamous animal that lives even longer than the Greenland shark, and that is “Glass Sponges”. The glass sponges are considered the oldest animal on the Earth. According to scientists, they can live nearly 10,000 to 15,000 years. A team of researchers have observed the oldest living glass sponge on the Ross Sea, a bay of Antarctica.
Longest Living Animal
Longest Living Animal
- 6 months: House Mouse
- 1 year: Chameleon
- 1-2 years: Weasel
- 3 years: Hedgehog
- 4 years: Rabbit
- 10 years: Dog
- 12 years: Wolverine
- 14 years: Tiger
- 16 years: Lion
- 20 years: Horse
- 24 years: Chimpanzee
- 25 years: Brown Bear
- 30 years: Lowland Tapir
- 35 years: Western Gorilla
- 40 years: African Grey Parrot
- 41 years: Brandt’s Bat
- 50 years: Alligator
- 56 years: Elephant
- 60 years: Hippopotamus
- 70 years: Humpback Whale
- 80 years: Human
- 90 years: Japanese Koi
- 100 years: Galápagos Tortoise
- 110 years: Red Sea Urchin
- 150 years: Aldabra Giant Tortoise
- 200 years: Bowhead Whale (the longest-living mammal)
- 250 years: Ocean Quahog
- 140-500 years: Greenland Shark (estimates vary)
Longest Living Animal:
Let’s see in detail the longest living animal and the shortest living animal and how to compare the human lifespan with other animals.
6 months: House Mouse:
6 months: House Mouse
The house mouse has the shortest living lifespan of any animal. They live just for 6 months. So next time you see a house mouse, leave them for the sake of mercy and remember the fact that after 6 months, they’ll die themselves!
1 year: Chameleon:
The Chameleon is able to live only a year naturally.
1-2 years: Weasel:
Weasels also have a short life span. They live only for 1-2 years.
3 years: Hedgehog:
Hedgehog! A popular animal in the UK and of the regular visitors of your garden also has a short life span. The life of a Hedgehog is tough. Many hedgehogs pass away in the first of their life, while a few can live more than 3 years. It’s all in the hands of God!
4 years: Rabbit:
The cute and the naive rabbit lives only for 4 years on this planet.
10 years: Dog:
Dogs are one of the most common pets in the world. Many species of dog generally have a lifespan of 10 years.
12 years: Wolverine:
Wolverine, the largest member of the Weasel family, has lived for 12 years. They live with their mothers for two years. After two years, they are mature enough to take care of themselves and start breeding.
14 years: Tiger:
14 years: Tiger
The animal we all fear lives for 14 years. Although compared to human life, it’s less, but according to animal lifespan, it’s good. But unfortunately, young tigers face different survival challenges. You might be shocked to know that 50% of the young tigers die before the age of one.
16 years: Lion:
Surprisingly, lions live longer than tigers. They can live for 16 years.
20 years: Horse:
Horses are one of the domestic animals. They are used for various purposes. Only a horse owner can truly appreciate the value this animal has. Generally, horses have a lifespan of 20 years.
24 years: Chimpanzee:
Chimpanzee has a lifespan of 24 years. They live longer than lions, tigers and even horses. Chimpanzees are one of the most intelligent animals in the Animal kingdom.
25 years: Brown Bear:
The iconic brown bear has a lifespan of 25 years. They also face survival challenges because of humans and Siberian tigers.
30 years: Lowland Tapir:
Lowland tapirs are large and robust animals. They have a lifespan of 30 years. The predators of tapir are big cats such as Jaguars. But the lowland tapir is wise enough that it’s not easy to catch them!
35 years: Western Gorilla
35 years: Western Gorilla
Gorillas are unique compared to other animals. They mature slowly and breed late. Surprisingly, female gorillas reproduce for the first time at the age of 10 and give birth to one baby every 4 years. They have a lifespan of 35 years but face several survival challenges. Slow reproduction rate and survival challenges are the factors leading to a decrease in their population. Currently, Western Gorillas are critically endangered.
40 years: African Grey Parrot:
It’s literally amazing. So many giant animals like tigers, lions, and even the brown bear and Chimpanzee can’t cross the 40 mark, but the tiny African grey parrot can. They live for 40 years!
41 years: Brandt’s Bat:
However, it’s generally considered that the smaller the animal, the smaller the lifestyle. We see this in the beginning with the example of the mouse. But animals like grey parrots and Brandt’s bat are exceptions. Brandt’s bat has a lifespan of 41 years.
50 years: Alligator:
50 years: Alligator
Alligators have a lifespan of 50 years, which makes sense! They are huge and have a long lifespan compared to other animals we have discussed so far. But read along, and you’ll be amazed to know that some animals can actually live up to 500 years as well.
56 years: Elephants:
Elephants have been beneficial to humanity for a long time. Fortunately, the animal lives longer and has a lifespan of 56 years. Once the female elephant stops breeding, it helps other females to take care of young calves. Cute!!!
Do you know that animals also have emotions, especially elephants? In our article about animal facts, you might have read that elephants actually mourn the death of their loved ones silently.
60 years: Hippopotamus
The hippopotamus is one of Africa’s most iconic and powerful creatures. They can live up to 60 years. Hippos spend much of their day submerged in water to keep cool.
70 years: Humpback Whale:
With an average lifespan of around 70 years, the humpback whale is a majestic marine mammal. It is known for its complex songs and remarkable migration.
80 years: Human:
In the list of long living mammals, generally, humans are on the top of the list, while there are exceptions like Japanese Koi, Galapagos tortoise, red sea urchin, Aldabra giant tortoise, bowhead whale, Greenland shark and the glass sponges. You can say that humans are the 8th longest living animal in the world.
Read along to know more about the other longest living animals.
90 years: Japanese Koi:
90 years Japanese Koi
The Japanese Koi are often found gracefully swimming in ponds. They hold a special place in Asian culture as a symbol of perseverance and strength. Their lifespan can reach up to 90 years, with some exceptional individuals living beyond a century!
100 years: Galápagos Tortoise:
In the list of longest living animals, the Galápagos tortoise is another remarkable example of animal longevity. They often live up to 100 years or more.
110 years: Red Sea Urchin:
Red Sea urchins are known for their vibrant red hue. They are one of the longest-living echinoderms. It has a lifespan of up to 110 years.
150 years: Aldabra Giant Tortoise:
150 years: Aldabra Giant Tortoise
The Aldabra giant tortoise is native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. It is an iconic symbol of longevity. They have life spans of up to 150 years. These massive tortoises move at a slow pace. They also live at an equally slow metabolic rate, which helps them avoid ageing rapidly.
200 years: Bowhead Whale (the longest-living mammal):
There are many marine animals that surpass humans in lifespan. The bowhead whale can live for more than 200 years, and it holds the record for longevity.
250 years: Ocean Quahogs:
250 years: Ocean Quahogs
The ocean quahog is a type of edible clam. They hold one of the records for the longest lifespan among marine animals, with some individuals living up to 250 years!
140- 500 years: Greenland Shark:
140- 500 years Greenland Shark
Greenland sharks have some of the longest lifespans among vertebrates, with estimates ranging between 140 to an astonishing 500 years.
What Animal Lives the Longest?
One of the most remarkable discoveries in marine biology is glass sponges. They are thought to be some of the oldest animals on Earth. They are found in the cold depths of the Antarctic Ross Sea. Glass sponges have a lifespan of 1000-1500 years, and they are the longest living animal on Earth!
