Given the fact that many cultures are obsessed with young age, it’s no surprise that the mythical Fountain of Youth is a popular theme in tales and legends across the globe. Nevertheless, we are still searching for the elixir of life!

Interestingly, life expectancy across the world ranges from 61 years to 78 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, life expectancy in the US is around 78.6 years.

Yet, the life span of some animals and plants is extraordinary. For example, the Great Basin bristlecone pine in the American West is more than 5,000 years old. Utah’s Pando aspen grove, on the other hand, is the largest and oldest living organism, which is more than 80,000 years old.

So, here are 11 of the longest-living animals that defy all logic and make us question time. Some are practically immortal, so it’s time to show some respect to the elderly!

11 Red Sea Urchins Are Practically Immortal

While people’s life expectancy is between 61 and 71 years, some sea creatures are practically immortal. The red sea urchin, in particular, can live for more than 200 years. This beautiful spiky creature can be found only in the Pacific Ocean, mainly along the West Coast of the US, as reported by MNN. Here we should note that sea urchins all over the world are edible.

10 The Oldest Bowhead Whale Was 211 Years Old

Whales are amazing mammals, so it's no surprise that whale watching is a popular activity around the globe. The bowhead whale, in particular, is one of the longest living animals; in fact, one of the oldest bowhead whales was more than 211 years old. According to World Wild Life, these mammals are among the few mammals that live mainly in the Arctic seas. Sadly, bowhead whales are endangered.

9 Koi Fish Can Live For More Than Two Centuries

If you think that an ornamental fish can’t outlive you, think twice! Koi are domesticated species that can live for more than two centuries. According to MNN, the oldest koi, Hanako, died at the age of 226. If you want to buy koi for your beautiful pond, have in mind that in feng shui, the spirit of koi brings good luck and happiness.

8 Tortoises Are The Longest Living Vertebrates On Earth

Tortoises are amazing land-dwelling creatures. Believe it or not, tortoises are the vertebrates with the longest life span on Earth. One of the oldest ones, Adwaita, died at the age of 250. Another beautiful Galapagos reptile lady, Harriet, died at the age of 175. Interestingly, Harriet was the last representative of the tortoises that Charles Darwin saw during his epic journey in 1835!

7 The Immortal Turritopsis Nutricula Jellyfish Has Found The Fountain Of Youth

Looking for the Fountain of Youth? Perhaps the only creatures that have discovered the secret to eternal life are the Turritopsis Nutricula jellyfish. These species can cycle from a mature state to an immature one, so there’s no limit to their life span and they can bypass death. No surprise that scientists consider the Turritopsis Nutricula immortal; these creatures are, in fact, silently invading oceans across the globe.

6 The African Elephant Has A Lifespan Of 70 Years

Elephants are among the cutest and longest living creatures on Earth. Elephants in the wild, for instance, can live up to 70 years in the wild. According to Animals Mom, though, elephants in the wild live longer than elephants in zoos. African elephants, on the other hand, live longer than their Asian cousins. Interestingly, elephants carry their babies for more than 22 months; and elephant calves weigh more than 200 pounds.

5 The Oldest Antarctic Sponge Is More Than 1,550 Years Old

Sea sponges are curious creatures that can live for hundreds of years. According to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, sponges are great survivors that have been around for 600 million years. It’s believed that due to the low temperatures in the Antarctic Ocean, the Antarctic sponge grows at a slow rate and can live for ages. The oldest known to science, for instance, are more than 1,550 years old.

4 Tuataras Are Living Fossils

If you think that it’s impossible to see a dinosaur, think twice. No, we are not talking about talented Mick Jagger! Just visit Kiwiland and meet New Zealand’s amazing tuataras. Tuataras are considered living fossils and can live between 100 and 200 years. Note that living fossils are creatures that resemble ancient species and have remained unchanged for millions of years.

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3 Geoducks Live For Over 16o Years

Do you consider yourself a foodie? Perhaps seafood lovers have heard of geoducks (pronounced gooey-ducks) and their long necks. Geoducks are edible clams that live off the western coast of Canada and the US. These creatures can live for more than 160 years. Here we should note that another long-living species of clam is the ocean quahog; according to MNN, some ocean quahogs are more than 400 years old.

RELATED: 10 Creepy Looking Animals And Where To Find Them

2 Macaws Can Live Up To 80 Years

Macaws also live a long time, between 30 and 50 years. Interestingly, they live around 30 years in the wild and more than 50 years in zoos or privates homes. According to Animals Mom, the oldest macaw was reported to be 112 years old. Sadly, macaws tend to outlive their owners, which can become a problem as these beautiful birds get attached to only one person and would not form a relationship with another human.

RELATED: 10 Largest Bird Sanctuaries In The World (And Where To See Them)

1 The Greenland Shark Is One Of The Longest-Living Creatures

Hidden in the dark and cold waters of the Arctic Ocean, the Greenland shark is a living mystery. Interestingly, this shark lives at greater depths compared to other sharks and enjoys the smell of rotting meat. Believe it or not, the Greenland shark is the longest-living vertebrae known to science. Researchers conducted radiocarbon testing and concluded that Greenland sharks live at least 272 years.

NEXT: 20 Photos Of Prehistoric Sharks And Sea Creatures That Give Us Chills