The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park announced the hatching of four west African Crocodylus suchus baby crocodiles. The hatching on Friday brings the total number of crocodile species hatched at the Alligator Farm up to 17 – a unique feat among zoos.
The new babies are members of a crocodilian species very closely related to the famous Nile crocodile. Crocodylus suchus inhabits much of western and central Africa and for many years was grouped in the same classification as its larger and more infamous cousin. The four hatchlings, who have yet to be named, will be placed on public display when they are older. Visitors will be able to get a sneak peek of the baby hatchlings within a few weeks when the baby crocodiles will be moved to the crocodile nursery, visible as part of the Alligator Farm’s “Behind the Scenes” tours.
“Today we basically doubled our population of the zoo’s Crocodylus suchus residents,” said John Brueggen, Zoo Director. “This is a unique species with close ties to the iconic Nile crocodile, and we’re delighted to watch them hatching in good health and with lots of energy. Visitors to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm can see 24 species of alligator, crocodile, caiman, and gharial, and we’re thrilled to now record our seventeenth species hatching right here in the zoo. It’s an exciting day.”
