Snap Gone - But More Crocs on the Way!

Snap was successfully transferred to the Attica Zoological Park last November, but there are more crocodiles due to arrive at Aquaworld this summer. Snap was a Nile crocodile, but the new arrivals will be pure-bred Siamese.

Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) are listed as "critically endangered" in the wild with the highest estimates putting the total population at only 3,000. The decrease in their numbers is due to a number of factors including habitat destruction, conflict with human beings and hunting.

Fortunately, there are individuals who are so passionate about crocodilians that they spend large amounts of time, effort and cash to ensure that individual species do not become extinct. One such prefers to be known simply as Ralf and it is from his captive breeding programme that the little crocodiles will come.

At the egg stage as I write, they are expected to hatch in about 70 days. Ralf will then care for them for the first eight weeks to ensure that they are eating well and digesting their food correctly. When he is satisfied he will send them to us and we will be their "baby sitters" for the first two years of their lives. At this stage they will be ready to start establishing their own territories, so they will be returned to Ralf and the cycle will be repeated.

Of course, each young Siamese crocodile will have its own CITES paperwork and all legalities will be complied with. I must say that I feel rather proud and honoured to be offered the opportunity to care for and display these wonderful creatures at Aquaworld.

Thank you Ralf!