Muja, the world’s oldest living alligator in captivity, is making headlines once again as he continues to thrive well into his late 80s, proudly holding a Guinness World Record for his extraordinary longevity.
Residing at the Belgrade Zoo in Serbia, Muja first arrived from Germany in 1937, making him a resident of the zoo for an astonishing 88 years. While his exact date of birth is unknown, experts estimate he hatched sometime in the early 1930s, which means Muja is well over 90 human years in alligator age.
Despite his age, Muja remains in good health, showing no signs of slowing down—apart from a slight limp from a leg amputation due to gangrene in 2012. Zoo staff report that he still has a hearty appetite and enjoys basking in the sun like any other alligator.
Interestingly, Muja is not from India or Africa, as some might assume. He is an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), a species native to the southeastern United States.
Muja has survived World War II, multiple political regimes, and the bombing of Belgrade—making him not only a biological marvel but also a silent witness to nearly a century of history.
Visitors from around the world come to catch a glimpse of this living legend, whose presence in Belgrade has become a symbol of resilience and endurance.
As of now, Muja shows no signs of retirement, continuing to charm guests and remind us all that age is truly just a number.
