Environment

Heavy dark croc eggs with movement inside finally hatched amidst much excitement and anticipation as the first baby croc arrives at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall. King Croc, one of the worlds largest reptiles and an example of Mother Natures rarities, with Queen Croc, his companion for over 20 years, are now proud parents, with more baby crocs expected to join the family in the next couple of days.

Remarkably, Queen Croc, who is more than 80 years old, demonstrated nest building behaviour at precisely the same time as the wild crocodiles in Australia. She laid 59 eggs, and the long incubation process finally came to an end, even as her extraordinary partner, King Croc eagerly anticipated the arrival of their little ones. For the last 20 years King has been a dedicated partner, showing little interest in any other female crocodiles. The birth at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo means that King Crocs genes are now passed down to these special animals.

Over the 90 day incubation period, many of Queen Crocs eggs stopped developing at various stages and only 25 remain in the incubators at this point. This is simply due to her old age and decreasing reproductive capability. In nature, nearly 90 percent of all baby crocs struggle for survival as they are eaten by large fish, monitor lizards and other predators.

Paul Hamilton, General Manager and Curator, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, said: The successful hatching of the baby crocs highlights the conducive environment that Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers to King Croc and his companion, and how effortlessly they have adapted to their home in Dubai. As one of the most popular attractions in the city, the expansion of their family will further add to the appeal of visitors, who can gain unique insights on crocodiles.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, approved by the UAE Ministry of Education for school visits as part of the curriculum, has introduced a dedicated educational programme on crocodiles for students.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, managed by Emaar Retail LLC, features a 270-degree walkthrough tunnel. Underwater Zoo, located on Level 2 above the main aquarium tank, presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Apart from Humboldt Penguins and Caiman Crocodiles, the animals featured here include Piranhas,
Giant Spider Crabs, Small Claw Otters, Sea Jellies and Clown fish.

For further information, visit www.thedubaiaquarium.com or call 04 448 5200.

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