Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/oldest-rhinoceros-iguana/

Congratulations to Rhino! The 40-year-old rhinoceros iguana who resides at the Irwin family’s zoo has officially been named the oldest one in the world.

Rhino was given the title earlier in the week, and it’s quite the accomplishment. The announcement was made after Rhino’s age actually doubled the age of the previous longest-living iguana on record. How amazing!

The 40-year-old Rhino was entered into the Guinness World Book of Records’ and their post read, “A rhino iguana residing at Australia Zoo in Queensland, Australia, has reached the remarkable age of 40 years 278 days (as of 27 November 2020), making him the oldest living rhino iguana in captivity.”

In order to celebrate Rhino’s brave old age, the Australia Zoo was gifted a certificate to present to Rhino inside his enclosure.

The zoo, which is owned by Steve Irwin’s widow, Terri Irwin, happily posted about Rhino’s record-achieving age on Twitter, saying, “Crikey! Rhino has received a @GWR for the oldest living rhinoceros iguana! He will be turning 41 this year and is such a special part of our #AustraliaZoo family. He celebrated this remarkable honour with his favourite snack, hibiscus flowers!”

Sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate. Rhino has been living at the Queensland-based zoo for 28 years. He was first transferred to the zoo in 1993 from Sydney’s Taronga Zoo where he was born.

While Rhino might be a record-breaker with his age, he’s not the only animal at the zoo with an impressive record.

The Australia Zoo is also home to Forest, a giraffe who was given the title of world’s tallest giraffe over the summer. 12-year-old Forest is the same height as four mini cars stacked atop one another! His official height is 18 feet and 8 inches. Incredible!

But a major congrats to Rhino – it ain’t easy getting old!

What do you think of this iguana’s age? Let us know!

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog