Gestation, Incubation, and Longevity of Selected Animals

Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff
Animal Gestation or
incubation,
in days
(average)
Longevity,
in years
(record
exceptions)
Ass 365 18–20 (63)
Bear 180–240115–30 (47)
Cat 52–69 (63) 10–12 (26+)
Chicken 22 7–8 (14)
Cow 280 9–12 (39)
Deer 197–300110–15 (26)
Dog 53–71 (63) 10–12 (24)
Duck 21–351 (28) 10 (15)
Elephant 510–7301 (624) 30–40 (71)
Fox 51–6318–10 (14)
Goat 136–160 (151) 12 (17)
Groundhog 31–32 4–9
Guinea pig 58–75 (68) 3 (6)
Hamster, golden 15–17 2 (8)
Hippopotamus 220–255 (240) 30 (49+)
Horse 329–345 (336) 20–25 (50+)
Human 253–303 652 (120)
Kangaroo 32–3914–6 (23)
Lion 105–113 (108) 10 (29)
Monkey 139–270112–151 (29)
Mouse 19–3111–3 (4)
Parakeet (Budgerigar) 17–20 (18) 8 (12+)
Pig 101–130 (115) 10 (22)
Pigeon 11–19 10–12 (39)
Rabbit 30–35 (31) 6–8 (15)
Rat 21 3 (5)
Sheep 144–1521 (151) 12 (16)
Squirrel 44 8–9 (15)
Whale 365–5471n.a.
Wolf 60–63 10–12 (16)
1. Depending on kind.
2. Worldwide average life expectancy, as of 2006. For U.S. life expectancy charts, see Life Expectancy at Birth by Race and Sex.
Source: James G. Doherty, general curator, The Wildlife Conservation Society.

Animal Group TerminologyNatureSpeed of Animals
Nature
Sources +