An alligator at Belgrade Zoo is living his best life as the oldest known creature of its kind in captivity.

While zookeepers don't know his birthday for certain, Muja was moved to Serbia from Germany as a hatchling in 1937 - right before the start of World War Two.

That makes him at least 83 years old.

Muja survived two bombing campaigns - by Germany in 1941 and the Allies in 1944 - and has been a favorite with visitors since.

Belgrade zoo veterinarian Josef Edvedj puts it simply: "Muja is the legend of our zoo."

He became the record holder for his age earlier this year, following the death of the alligator Saturn at Moscow Zoo.

Saturn, who was around 84, was rumored to have once belonged to Adolf Hitler - although this has been discounted as false.

Muja remains in good health, with his biggest issue having been gangrene in 2012, which led to the amputation of his front right claw.

But neither that nor age seems to have affected the alligator's appetite.

Edvedj listed Muja's impressive menu options: "He has a 'buffet' at his disposal. He eats rats, rabbits, birds, fish, horse meat and beef. We also take care that his mineral and vitamin supplements are in balance, according to his needs."