SAN ANTONIO – Good news for zoogoers: Twelve Tomistoma crocodiles were hatched earlier this month at the San Antonio Zoo, officials announced Friday.
The hatching began Sept. 9. The San Antonio Zoo has one of the most prosperous breeding programs for this rare species, zoo officials said in a news release.
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The mother is doing well and the hatchlings are thriving, zoo Executive Director and CEO Tim Morrow said. Zoo officials look forward to introducing the animals to guests within the coming months, Morrow added.
Tomistoma crocodiles are an unusual species.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the San Antonio Zoo’s persistence and commitment to conservation,” Morrow said.
This marks the third successful clutch of eggs for mom, Nadia, and dad, Boris, in a collaboration with the Species Survival Plan.
“Of the 24 different species of crocodilians, Tomistoma are one of the least studied due to their remote and inaccessible habitat. Some estimates indicate only 2,500 remain in the wild,” the statement reads. “Tomistoma inhabit freshwater lakes, rivers and swamps of Indonesia and Malaysia. They are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, but it remains possible that these species qualify as globally endangered, due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation.”
The public can view the animals soon at the zoo’s Reptile House. Animal care specialists are keeping a close eye on the babies.