When you hear someone say, “You’ll live long like tortoise,” it’s not just a playful blessing. In the animals kingdom, some creatures are really out here living their best lives for over 100 years and counting! While many of us are still hustling and praying for 70 years with good health in this Nigeria, some animals are clocking centuries without stress. No high BP, no fuel scarcity, just vibes and longevity.
Let’s take a trip through the wild side and meet five animals whose lifespans will shock you. Some of them you’ve probably seen before, others live far away in cold oceans and exotic lands. But one thing they all have in common? Time is on their side.
1. Tortoise – The OG Grandmaster of Long Life
Ah, the African wise man in animal form, Mr. Tortoise. If you grew up listening to folktales, then you know tortoise (or Ijapa, as the Yorubas call it) was always involved in one mischief or the other. But beyond his trickster ways, this animal is an actual legend when it comes to longevity.
Some species of tortoises, like the Galápagos tortoise, can live over 150 years. There’s even a tortoise named Jonathan, currently chilling in Seychelles, that’s believed to be 192 years old! That’s older than Nigeria, independence, or even colonialism.
Tortoises don’t rush literally. They move slowly, eat a plant-based diet, and avoid stress. Maybe we should take notes?
2. Bowhead Whale – The Arctic Giant That Outlives Generations
This one lives far away in the icy waters of the Arctic, so you won’t find it swimming in River Niger or chilling in Lekki beach. But the Bowhead whale deserves a spot on this list for being a silent, underwater elder.
These whales can live for over 200 years. Yes, you read that right, two full centuries! Scientists have found old harpoons in their bodies, which proves that some of them have been swimming the ocean since the 1800s. Imagine carrying a 19th-century spear like it’s fashion accessory and still living your best life.
Their secret? A slow metabolism and life in the cold. Na cold dey preserve them. So next time you complain about harmattan, remember some animals are using cold to extend their life.
3. Greenland Shark – The 400-Year-Old Underwater Grandpa
You might not see this shark in the Lagos lagoon or even in Calabar waters. The Greenland shark is another icy beast from the deep North Atlantic, and it holds the world record for the longest-living vertebrate.
This slow-moving shark can live up to 400 years. Some scientists believe there are Greenland sharks alive today that were born around 1625. That’s before Nigeria even existed on any colonial map.
They’re not flashy or aggressive like their cousin, the great white shark. In fact, they move so slowly, some people call them “sleeper sharks.” But clearly, slow and steady doesn’t just win the race, it wins long life too!
4. Macaw Parrots – Colourful Birds, Colourful Years
If you’ve ever seen a bright, colourful parrot at the zoo or even with wealthy pet owners in Lagos or Abuja, chances are you’ve seen a Macaw. These tropical birds are not just pretty faces, they also have surprisingly long lives.
Macaws can live for up to 50–80 years, and sometimes even longer when kept in safe environments. That means one bird can live through multiple generations of owners. If you buy one for your child, it might still be around to entertain your grandchildren!
In fact, some parrots are known to “inherit” family drama and gossip. They mimic voices and remember stories from way back. Imagine a bird exposing old family secrets just because it lived too long!
5. Koi Fish – The Peaceful Pond Masters
Now let’s talk about something a little more domestic, Koi fish. These colourful fish are often found in decorative ponds and gardens. While they’re not native to Nigeria, some fancy estates and hotels use them to add beauty and serenity to their environment.
Don’t be deceived by their calm appearance, Koi fish can live up to 40–70 years, and in some rare cases, over 200 years. One legendary Koi fish named Hanako reportedly lived to the age of 226 in Japan before dying in 1977.
Koi are peaceful, eat healthy diets, and thrive in clean water. It’s giving, “no stress, just peace and vibes.”
So, What’s the Secret to Long Life?
Looking at all these animals, one thing is clear—they avoid wahala. Whether it’s the slow-moving tortoise, the sleepy Greenland shark, or the peaceful Koi fish, these animals have mastered the art of minding their business, eating well, and living simply.
For us Nigerians, that’s a lesson: reduce stress, eat healthy, sleep well, and maybe even move to the village where there’s less noise and more fresh air. Okay, maybe not the village, but you get the gist.
Long life isn’t just about supplements and prayer (though those help too). Sometimes, it’s about living slow, steady, and smart.
Conclusion
While we humans are here calculating how to survive another round of fuel price increase, these animals are living quietly for centuries, outliving empires and economies.
So the next time someone tells you, “You’ll live long like tortoise,” say a loud amen. Because if tortoise can make it to 150 with no hospital or HMO, maybe, just maybe there’s something we can learn from them.
