Random Ancient Animals That Are Older Than Every Single Human On Earth (11 items)

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  (#1) Clam

  Age: 405 Years

  In 2007, researchers analyzing a deceased clam discovered they might have accidentally killed one of the oldest creatures in the world. Ming the clam, as it was eventually named, was one of 200 clams collected from a glacial shelf in Iceland. It died after being frozen and transported to a research laboratory. 

  Scientists realized their mistake after taking a look the clam's shell under a microscope. At first it was announced the ocean quahog died at the ripe old age of 507, but further researched revealed the clam was actually 405. A combination of carbon dating and counting the rings on its shell were used to determine the clam's actual age.
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  (#5) Tuatara

  • Sphenodon

  Age: 250 Years

  These reptiles can only be found in New Zealand, where one member of the species managed to sire 11 health babies at the impressive age of 111. Some estimates claim tuataras can live to 250, an impressive number for such a small animal.

  There are only about 50,000 in the wild today, so the fact they remain virile after their centennial birthday is good news for conservationists.
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  (#11) Lobster

  • Nephropidae

  Age: 140 Years

  This amazing lobster caused a bit of controversy when it was discovered in 2008, mostly because it was almost served and eaten. The lobster was captured off the coast of Newfoundland and wound up in City Crab and Seafood, a New York City restaurant specializing in delicious crustaceans. The massive lobster weighed 20 pounds and was only released after members of PETA laid siege to the seafood joint.

  Although the extreme age may not be the most accurate estimation, it is true that lobsters grow their entire lives and age incredibly slowly. So hey, maybe George really was 140.
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  (#8) Radiated Tortoise

  • Astrochelys radiata

  Age: 188 Years

  Tu'i Malila lived to be one of the oldest recorded tortoises of all time, spending most of his life Royal Palace of Tonga. Although the tortoise died in 1965 at the estimated age of 188, Tu'i Malila remains a legend to this day.

  It is believed the tortoise was given as a gift to the royal family of Tonga in 1777, when Captain James Cook visited on a voyage. Radiated tortoises are native to Madagascar and can grow to a moderate 35 pounds.
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  (#3) Cinachyra antarctica

  • Cinachyra antarctica

  Age: 15,000 Years

  The estimates for this animal's age are astounding but, if true, it would likely be the oldest living organism on the planet. Some scientists believe giant Arctic sponges can live for thousands of years. These sponges, which are in the group Hexactinellida, may owe their longevity to their slow growth rate and the frigid waters of the deep ocean. Some estimates put the age of individuals as high as 23,000-years-old, but most agree the number is likely inaccurate.

  Some researchers challenge all of the higher estimates given for this animals age, as scientists have been unable to definitively age these creatures.
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  (#4) Greenland shark

  • Somniosus microcephalus

  Age: 392 Years

  These impressively long-living sharks are native to the freezing waters of the Arctic, and one female specimen is estimated to be nearly 400. Biologists used carbon dating on proteins found in the lenses of the shark's eyes to age the animal. Their discovery completely changed the way scientists view this animal. Greenland sharks grow at a slow rate, about a centimeter a year.

  It is hypothesized their slow growth may play a role in their incredible longevity. 

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