Bowhead Whale

One of the longest living animals is the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus). According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the actual longevity of Arctic and subarctic whales is unclear. However, stone harpoon points recovered in some captured individuals show that they can comfortably live over 100 years and may live more than 200 years (NOAA).

Mutations in the bowhead whales' ERCC1 gene, which is involved in mending damaged DNA, may help protect the whales against cancer, a possible cause of death. Furthermore, a fragment of another gene termed PCNA has been duplicated. This gene is essential in cell development and repair, and its duplication may prevent aging, as previously reported by Live Science.

Age: 200+ years old