American Dwarf crocodiles Al Ain Zoo has welcomed a new group of endangered American Dwarf crocodiles, in a joint collaboration with Dubai Mall's Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. A new addition to Al Ain Zoo's animal collection, the Dwarf crocodiles, classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature list (ICUN), 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.
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.
Source: WAM