Crocodile Sector

Visitors can come experience the CROC WALK where they can get up close and personal with the crocodiles that are found in the warm waters of Australia.  Two kinds of crocodiles can be viewed in this exhibit: the Estuarine, a saltwater crocodile, and Johnsons, a freshwater crocodile.  Both come from the hot, tropical northern part of the continent.  This true-to-nature exhibit allows visitors to see the crocodiles from up above as they venture out on land and from down below as they swim in their underwater habitat.  Safely behind glass is the best way to meet a CROCODILE!

Crocodiles are cold-blooded reptiles.  Yet, unlike other reptiles, crocodiles have four sections in their hearts, like mammals and birds have.  Often confused with alligators, crocodiles are identified by the shape of their long narrow snout.  The crocodiles' lower teeth stick out when their jaws are closed. Crocodiles vary in size.  The Johnson can grow up to 3 meters long while the Estuarine can get up to 7 meters long.  The crocodile has short legs with five webbed toes on the front feet and four on the back.  They eat fish, birds, and mammals, including the occasional human.  Crocodiles are dangerous, so it's best to view them from the safety of an exhibit like the CROC WALK! Crocodiles grab their prey and swim to deep water, where they roll over to drown the animal.  Crocodiles have very strong jaws and do not chew their food. Instead, they swallow it in large chunks and the food is broken down in their stomachs.  They like basking in the sun, in groups, with their mouths open.   These groups usually consist of individuals who are the same size because crocodiles are cannibalistic, and large crocodiles will eat smaller ones.  Hunted extensively for their skins, large crocodiles are becoming increasingly rare.

While crocodiles are dangerous, they are amazing animals to watch. So, come experience the life of a crocodile in safety at the Crock Walk.