ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Seven cute new babies just joined the family at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park -- and they made history.
They are the first captive hatchings of “Osteolaemus afzelii” (African Dwarf Crocodiles) in the western hemisphere.
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According to “A Guide to Identifying Crocodilians of the World,” there are three types of African Dwarf Crocodiles that were all once considered just one species.
The Alligator Farm has been working with scientists Dr. Matt Shirley, Dr. Kent Vliet, and others to determine the differences between these crocodiles.
The parents of the seven new babies were confirmed to be the new species by DNA testing.
Later this year, scientists plan to convene in western Africa to discuss the Dwarf Crocodile complex and make recommendations to the IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature) about the Red List conservation status of each of these three species in the wild.
This week’s hatchings bring the total number of crocodile species hatched at the Alligator Farm to 18.
“No one else in the world can claim that level of success,” the farm said in a post on social media.
Dwarf Crocodiles are the smallest of the world’s crocodiles, rarely reaching over 6 feet in length. They consume a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, birds, and small mammals. They are not a threat to humans because of their small size and secretive nature. However, they are a known source of food for some subsistence hunters in West and Central Africa.
The parents of the new hatchlings can be seen on exhibit in the park’s display called Land of Crocodiles, which opened in 1993 for the zoo’s 100-year anniversary.
It was the first time, anywhere in the world, that every species of crocodilian was on display in one location.
“I’m so proud of our team,” said John Brueggen, Zoo Director. “They continue to strive for excellence in animal care, and hatching 18 of the world’s crocodilians is evidence that they are doing an amazing job.”