Wild Wonders: Animal Facts & Stories

When we think of long lives, we often imagine humans living past 100. But in the natural world, some animals far exceed that mark-living for centuries, even half a millennium! These creatures not only break records but also hold secrets to longevity that continue to fascinate scientists. Here are seven of the most long-lived animals ever discovered. Greenland Shark – 400+ Years Deep beneath the icy waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic lives a mysterious giant: the Greenland shark. These slow-moving creatures are known to live for over 400 years, making them the longest-living vertebrates known to science. Their sluggish metabolism, cold habitat, and slow growth rate are thought to contribute to their incredible lifespan. Ocean Quahog – 507 Years While it may look like a simple clam, the ocean quahog holds one of the most astonishing records in the animal kingdom. A specimen nicknamed “Ming” was discovered to be 507 years old. These clams spend their lives buried beneath the ocean...