Home βΊ Rankings βΊ Longest-lived pets
β³ Longest-lived pets Top 10
A long life means more years together β and a commitment that may outlast a move, a new job or a new family member. Plan for the whole span before you choose.
- 1
Tortoise40β80 yearsLand tortoises such as Hermannβs and Russian tortoises are grazing herbivores that can outlive their owners. They need floor space, strong UVB and a high-fibre weed diet. - 2
African grey parrot40β60 yearsAn African parrot famous for its intelligence and talking ability. Listed on CITES Appendix I since 2017, it requires proper paperwork and a commitment of several decades. - 3
Aquatic Turtles20β40 yearsMusk, mud and cooter turtles spend most of their time in water but bask on land. They live for decades, some grow large, and every one needs strong filtration, heat and UVB. - 4
Ball Python20β30 yearsA gentle African python that curls into a tight ball around its head when nervous. Adults rarely exceed 1.5 m, making it the most manageable python, though long fasts and humidity can test new owners. - 5
Sun conure20β30 yearsA medium parrot loved for its blazing yellow and orange plumage and cuddly personality. Its call is extremely loud, which matters a great deal in shared housing. - 6
Blue-tongued skink15β20 yearsA chunky lizard from Australia and New Guinea that flashes a bright blue tongue to startle predators. Calm, sturdy and omnivorous, it is a favourite first large lizard. - 7
Cockatiel15β20 yearsA crested, orange-cheeked member of the cockatoo family from Australia. Gentle and cuddly, it whistles beautifully but sheds plenty of powder down and startles easily at night. - 8
Corn Snake15β20 yearsA slender rat snake from the southeastern United States, docile, a reliable eater and forgiving of temperature swings, which makes it the go-to first snake. Its one big flaw: it is an escape artist. - 9
Crested Gecko15β20 yearsAn arboreal gecko named for the fringed crests above its eyes. It lives happily at room temperature and eats a powdered complete diet, which makes it a favorite with busy keepers. - 10
Leopard Gecko15β20 yearsA ground-dwelling gecko with real eyelids and no sticky toes, prized as the classic starter reptile for its calm temperament and simple needs. It wakes up around dusk, just when most owners get home.
Best pets forβ¦
π± Best pets for first-time ownersπ’ Best pets for people who live alone and work full-timeπ Best pets for apartmentsπ° Cheapest pets to keepποΈ Pets with a shorter commitmentπ Most affectionate petsπ§ Best pets for families with kidsπ§Ή Low-mess pets: little fur or smellπ Rewarding pets for experienced keepers