Smallest crocs in the world at Al Ain Zoo

In joint collaboration with Dubai Mall’s Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Al Ain Zoo has welcomed a new group of endangered American Dwarf Crocodiles.
 
A new addition to Al Ain Zoo’s animal collection, the Dwarf Crocodiles, classified as endangered by International Union for the Conservation of Nature list, can be seen on exhibit at the zoo’s Reptile House.
 
Guests now have the opportunity to witness the smallest crocodiles found in the world, with adult species reaching a length of no more than 1.5 to 1.6 metres, and weighing about 30 kilograms. Visitors will also be able to watch the grey Saltwater Crocodiles found at the zoo, which weigh 200 kilograms and reach approximately eight metres in length.
 
Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director General of the Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain, commented: “The addition of the endangered American Dwarf Crocodiles falls directly in line with our commitment to wildlife preservation and conservation, as we continue working with local, regional and international partners to drive unified, coordinated efforts in this sphere. Through unmatched, exciting visitor experiences, we aim to also provide a learning environment that focuses on educating our visitors and engaging them in this global cause.” 
 
The infant American Dwarf Crocodiles are yellow with a brown tint, turning into a dark brown colour by maturity, while their heads are a fascinating orange colour. With a diet that consists mainly of fish, American Dwarf Crocodiles generally eat twice a week, and can last up to two months without food, spending weeks motionless until they get hungry. Timid by nature, the American Dwarf Crocodiles are quite friendly and calm, unlike their relatives – the African Dwarf Crocodiles – who, despite being the same size, tend to be more aggressive and easily agitated.
 
Al Ain Zoo is home to internationally important conservation programmes that focus on captive management, conservation research, captive breeding, propagation, and the reintroduction of endangered species to the wild when possible. Al Ain Zoo is also a proud member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA). Strategic partnerships have been set up with leading zoos, conservation agencies and associations from across the world, including the World Conservation Union and Species Survival Commission, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, San Diego Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, the Northern Rangelands Trust of Kenya and the Sahara Conservation Fund.
 

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