A Gharial Miracle: Fort Worth Zoo Makes History With Endangered Crocodile Births
September 1, 2023
In a significant conservation achievement, the Fort Worth Zoo has proudly announced the birth of a rare and endangered species, the gharial crocodile.
Credit: Fort Worth Zoo | Facebook
The gharial, also known as fish-eating crocodile, is among the longest of all living crocodilians. It is well adapted to catching fish because of its long, narrow snout and 110 sharp, interlocking teeth.
The wild gharial population has declined drastically since the 1930s and has been listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2007.
The Fort Worth Zoo is the only institution in the US to have produced multiple offspring.
"The Zoo is thrilled to announce this monumental conservation success - the hatchings of four critically endangered gharial crocodiles," the zoo said in a release.
In the wild, it is estimated that only about 200 reproducing adults remain.
Of the 35 gharial crocodiles living in U.S. zoos, four are in the care of the Fort Worth Zoo including one male and three females. The new hatchlings were produced from two different females.
"The Fort Worth Zoo is the only institution in the United States to have produced multiple offspring of this critically endangered species," the zoo said in a statement. "The Zoo is incredibly proud to announce this groundbreaking conservation success, quadrupling the number of births to ever take place in the U.S."
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Woman Goes Viral For Hilarious Post-Surgery Conversations With Mom And Staff
Man Names Child After Teen Who Asked Him A Simple Question
10 Things People Typically Do Not Know About Cats Until They Have One
Dad Shares Hilarious 'Threatening' Letter He Received 'From The Government'
Alligator With Upper Jaw Missing Gets Rescued
People Are Sharing Hilarious Book Titles If Their Cat Wrote A Book About Its Life
Toddler Goes Viral For Her Adorable Scottish Accent
The Moment This Lost Dog Realizes Her Family Finally Found Her
Busker Asks Woman To Sing With Her, Has No Idea It's Kelly Clarkson
Dancers Perform Amazing Improvised Routine Set To 'Macarena" In Dance Contest
Wild Donkey Asks Kayaker For Help, Thanks Him, And Then Runs Off