Man's unexpected encounter with 124-year-old crocodile goes viral: Be careful what you wish for

A viral clip shows how you can never underestimate a crocodile, even if it is the world's oldest. In a fascinating yet scary moment, TV personality Robert Alleva is seen in the proximity of a 124-year-old Nile crocodile, and is startled when the crocodile moves and makes a loud sound. Although, in the next shot, he's seen posing with Henry, the crocodile, joking about his encounter, saying he hasn't felt scared for a very long time. But his experience was different this time.

The massive crocodile is lounging by a pound at the Crocworld Conservation Centre in South Africa when Alleva tries to come close to it, and get a video of this memorable encounter.

Henry is seen calmed down after an initial hesitation around a stranger allowing Alleva to continue with his shoot.


"Ever since I saw @backshall.steve with Henry, I’ve wanted to meet this Nile croc. Well….be careful what you wish for!! I was as intimidated, as I was fascinated!! Henry is reported to be the oldest known croc in the world, born in 1900. That’s right he’s soon to have his 124th birthday. Big thanks to @crocworldcc for letting me get hands on this breathtaking reptile! I will have to come back to visit, and if you’re in South Africa a visit to Croc World is a must!" Alleva wrote on his Instagram post. The post has since garnered more than 4 million views and counting.

"Strong strong work Rob! What a croc that Henry is!!!" wrote one Instagram user, while another one said, "I have to add Crocworld to my bucket list now!"

More about Henry, the world's oldest crocodile

At 123, Henry is world's oldest crocodile born on December 16, 1900 in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, and is set to celebrate its 124th birthday soon. He weighs 700 kg and stretches 16 feet long.

He is the father of over 10,000 children. Henry has been staying at Crocworld Conservation Centre for several decades now. He had earned a deadly reputation of attacking humans, especially children in Botswana and has been in captivity ever since he was captured by a hunter Sir Henry Neumann.

Once a deadly crocodile, Henry is now living a peaceful life, as a zoo attraction. But moments like these are the reminders of his stark past.