9 animals with the longest pregnancy period

Unlike humans who carry their offspring for nine months, when it comes to animals pregnancy is typically for a longer period. Their gestation period can last as long as 3 years, depending on the animal kingdom. Find out 9 animals that have surprisingly long pregnancy periods.

Frilled sharks also known as scaffold sharks are often referred to as "living fossils" These ancient aquatic beings have remained the same for millions of years and are the only living species from their family. While they have a life of 25 years, about 3 and a half years are spent in a rare long gestation period, which is the longest for any vertebrate. The female frilled sharks give birth to 6-12 pups at a time, who have to fend for themselves immediately after birth.

Found in the Central and Eastern Alps, black alpine salamanders have a pregnancy that can last from two-three years, depending on the altitude at which they live. They typically have a life expectancy of 10-20 years and bear two fully developed young ones.

Among the mammals, African elephants hold the record for the highest pregnancy period lasting around 22 months. During this period, the calf develops its large brain and complex social behaviour. Weighing around 200-250 pounds, the new born is developed enough to stand and follow its mother within hours of birth.

Female sperm whales reach sexual maturity around the age of 9, which is when they are roughly 29 feet long. At this point, growth slows and they produce a calf every five to seven years after a pregnancy period of 14-16 months. Unlike other animals, the calves of sperm whales nurse from their mothers for several years.

Black rhinos are also one of the many animals that experience long pregnancy periods. They gestate for around 15-16 months, which ensures that their young ones are born, developed and capable of keeping up with their mothers.

These towering animals carry their young ones for a period of 15 months. This is necessary for them to develop long legs and necks. Born standing at nearly 6 feet tall, the young giraffes are able to run around within hours of being born.

The 'ships of the desert', camels have a pregnancy period that lasts from 13-15 months. Camels from North Africa, the Middle East and Central America share this long gestation period. The extended pregnancy ensures that the offspring is well-developed and able to withstand the harsh desert environment.

Manatees breed all year round, with most calves being born during spring and summer. A Florida manatee's gestation period is approximately 12 months, with a calf being produced about every 2-5 years.

On average the gestation period among zebras is 11-13 months, depending on the species. The mare typically gives birth to one foal, often at night, to prevent attacks from predators. The foal is born strong enough to be able to stand and walk shortly after birth.