King Croc snaps up a new home at Dubai Mall, with girlfriend in tow

Jock the Croc has finally traded the marshlands for a swanky new enclosure at Dubai Mall; girlfriend Missy remains his faithful companion as the deadly duo were unveiled in all their jaw-dropping glory in the emirate on Tuesday.

As reported by Emirates 24|7 earlier, the infamous 40-year-old saltwater crocodile was shipped to Dubai from Australia earlier this month with Missy, who were to find a new home at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Over five metres long and weighing more than 750kg, the 40-year-old Jock has the potential to grow even bigger in the next 50 years of his expected lifespan.

Its bite force is estimated to be about 3,700 pounds per square inch – the highest bite for by any animal. Its head alone weighs over 150kg. The 60 razor-sharp teeth are the size of an average index finger.

Residing at crocodile farm in Australia since 1996, the transfer to Dubai was facilitated in partnership with the Australian government authorities, after a careful review on the quality of the display, qualifications of staff caring for the animals, the educational purpose of the exhibit and the integrity of the business.

Dubai Aquarium also plans to introduce a dedicated educational programme on crocodiles for schools, further adding to the edutainment attraction’s appeal, which is approved by the UAE Ministry of Education for school visits as part of the curriculum.

The two saltwater crocodiles will also be a part of the year-round conservation campaigns undertaken by Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Emaar Retail said in a statement that the new home for the crocodiles is three times the size specified for such species by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

It replicates the environment of Queensland with controlled humidity and constant monitoring of air quality and water temperature, which is maintained between 28 to 30 degree Celsius.

The crocodiles are expected to spend nearly 90 per cent of their time in the central 150sq metre pool, which has a number of fish species, and the remaining time resting on land area with heated tiles.

Maitha Al Dossari, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Retail LLC, said: “These large aquatic reptiles have a history of over 60 million years surviving through different environments and terrains.

“Through our exhibit, we are offering the exciting opportunity for our visitors to learn more about crocodiles and their role in the ecosystem. This marks the first time a crocodile of this size finds his home with in a mall in a major city.”

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo already houses dwarf African crocodiles.

 

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