Lifespan of iconic African animals
- Johan Siggesson
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 26
How Long Do Elephants, Lions, and Leopards Live in the Wild?
Some of the most common questions I get. Whether it’s a lion resting in the grass or an elephant walking through the dust, people are naturally curious about the lives behind the photographs. Here’s a simple overview of the average lifespans of some of Africa’s most iconic animals.
Quick Guide: Lifespan of Africa’s Most Iconic Animals
Elephant lifespan – 60 to 70 years
Lion lifespan – 10 to 15 years
Leopard lifespan – 12 to 17 years
Cheetah lifespan – 10 to 12 years
Rhino lifespan – 35 to 50 years
Giraffe lifespan – 20 to 25 years
Zebra lifespan – 20 to 25 years
Hippo lifespan – 40 to 50 years
Nile Crocodile lifespan – 50 to 70 years
Spotted Hyena lifespan – 12 to 20 years
Wildebeest lifespan – 15 to 20 years
African Wild Dog lifespan – 10 to 12 years
Animal | Lifespan | Conservation Status (IUCN) |
Elephant (African) | 60 to 70 years | Endangered |
Lion | 10 to 15 years | Vulnerable |
Leopard | 12 to 17 years | Vulnerable |
Cheetah | 10 to 12 years | Vulnerable |
Rhino (Black/White) | 35 to 50 years | Critically Endangered / Near Threatened |
Giraffe | 20 to 25 years | Vulnerable |
Zebra (Plains) | 20 to 25 years | Near Threatened |
Hippo | 40 to 50 years | Vulnerable |
Nile Crocodile | 50 to 70 years | Least Concern |
Spotted Hyena | 12 to 20 years | Least Concern |
Wildebeest | 15 to 20 years | Least Concern |
African Wild Dog | 10 to 12 years | Endangered |
How long do elephants live?
African elephants can live up to 60 or 70 years in the wild. Older bulls like Craig from Amboseli are rare and unforgettable. Females often live longer, especially when surrounded by the safety of a herd.
What is the lifespan of a lion?
Wild lions live around 10 to 15 years. Males often have shorter lives than females due to injuries, pride takeovers, and the constant fight for dominance. In protected areas, some lions reach up to 17 years.
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How long do leopards live in the wild?
Leopards usually live between 12 and 17 years. They face threats from other predators and human conflict, but their adaptability helps them survive longer than many big cats.
What is the lifespan of a cheetah?
Cheetahs live about 10 to 12 years in the wild. They are more vulnerable than other predators, both to larger carnivores and to loss of habitat. Males in coalitions tend to take more risks, which can shorten their lives.
How long do rhinos live in the wild?
Both black and white rhinos can live 35 to 50 years. Those in protected areas have a better chance of reaching old age, though poaching remains a serious threat across much of their range.
What is the lifespan of a giraffe?
Wild giraffes live around 20 to 25 years. Young calves face many dangers, but adults are less vulnerable. Males sometimes live shorter lives due to injuries from fighting.
How long do zebras live?
Zebras live about 20 to 25 years in the wild. They are strong and fast, but always on the move to avoid predators. As with giraffes, their early years are the most dangerous.
What is the average lifespan of a hippo?
Hippos are among the most recognizable animals in Africa. In the wild, they can live around 40 to 50 years. They spend most of the day submerged in rivers or pools to keep cool, grazing mainly at night. Despite their slow appearance, they are strong, fast, and often aggressive. That temperament, along with their habitat, plays a big part in how long they survive. See my guide to wild hippos.
How long do Nile crocodiles live?
Nile crocodiles are some of the longest-living animals on the continent. In the wild, they can live anywhere from 50 to 70 years. They are powerful predators and often dominate their ecosystems. In places where they are not heavily disturbed by people, they can live for decades.
What is the lifespan of a hyena?
Spotted hyenas often surprise people. In the wild, they can live up to 20 years, with females usually outliving males. They are highly intelligent, social animals, living in matriarchal clans and working together when hunting or defending territory.
Lifespans in the Wild vs Captivity
It's worth noting that animals in captivity often live longer than those in the wild. In protected environments like zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, they face fewer threats from predators, injuries, food shortages, or human conflict. Medical care and stable conditions can extend an animal's life by several years, sometimes even decades. But in the wild, life is unpredictable. Every year lived is hard-earned, shaped by instinct, experience, and luck. The lifespans listed here reflect the average range in wild conditions, where these animals must constantly adapt to survive.
Every time I photograph these African animals, I think about the time they’ve survived out there. Life in the wild is never easy. Knowing their average life expectancy gives a deeper sense of meaning to every image and every encounter.
