For the past four decades, Crocworld Conservation Centre on the KZN South Coast has been home to a variety of animal species, with its crocodiles taking centre stage. Committed to the conservation of all creatures, including the misunderstood reptiles, the team is sharing some interesting facts about crocodiles as part of its ongoing commitment to wildlife education.
“Crocodiles have been in existence for hundreds of millions of years, making them one of the most evolved and interesting animal species,” commented Busani Mthiyane, Animal Curator at Crocworld Conservation Centre. “We have a variety of crocodilian species at our centre, with daily talks and feedings that give visitors a chance to learn more in an engaging setting. Until then, we’re sharing our top 9 most interesting facts about our resident crocodiles.”
9 Facts About Crocworld’s Crocs!
1. Crocworld is home to Henry who – at 124 years of age – is believed to be the WORLD’s oldest known Nile crocodile in captivity. Henry can be found living with his wives, spending the days basking in the sun and enjoying a life of leisure!
2. Henry’s best friend, Colgate, is also considered one of the oldest Nile crocodiles in captivity, clocking in around 90+ years.
3. Nile crocodiles make up the majority of crocodilian species at Crocworld Conservation Centre, which is home to around 141 Nile crocodiles.
4. Nile crocodiles are the largest crocodilian species on the African continent – reaching up to 5 metres and 1000kgs – and the second largest in the world, following the saltwater crocodile from Australia.
5. Besides the Nile crocodile, Crocworld is home to 4 other crocodile species:
· The West African dwarf crocodile
· The West African slender-snouted crocodile
· The spectacled caiman
· The American alligator
6. The West African dwarf crocodile is a very shy animal which is also nocturnal, hunting at night, and resting in burrows on river banks during the day.
7. The West African dwarf crocodile can actually climb trees and is sometimes found in the lower branches of trees along the riverbank.
8. The West African slender-snouted crocodile is the only crocodilian species known to climb as high as several metres into tree branches along rivers and streams.
9. Crocodiles are good moms, laying their eggs in a nest and keeping watch over them until they hatch. Croc moms will also take babies gently in their mouths, transporting them safely to the water’s edge.
Visit Crocworld Conservation Centre!
Visitors are welcome to meet some of these interesting crocodilian species at the centre in a close-up, safe environment with daily talks and feedings. Crocworld is also home to Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures, the only aerial ziplining course in the region, as well as the award-winning Fish Eagle Café, which boasts ocean views as spectacular as its meals.
Crocworld is a member of the international Species360 programme, which facilitates information collection from 1,200 aquariums, zoos, universities, research and governmental facilities worldwide across 99 countries on six continents. Members like Crocworld curate the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the world’s most comprehensive database of knowledge on more than 22,000 species, for the global fight against extinction.
To find out more, visit www.crocworld.co.za | check out Crocworld Conservation Centre on Facebook | call 039 976 1103. Contact Fish Eagle Café on 083 658 7073 | mvanzyl@cbl.co.za.
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