These toothy critters are dwindling in the wild. Two just hatched in Virginia aquarium
The birth of two tiny reptiles in a Virginia aquarium is a big deal and marks a milestone that hasn’t been seen in half a century.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center announced on Oct. 12 the birth of two Tomistoma crocodiles, also known as “false gharials” because of their spindly snouts.
Tomistoma crocodiles are one of the least-studied crocodile species and are endangered, with an estimated fewer than 2,500 mature individuals alive, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute.
The parent Tomistoma crocodiles at the Virginia Beach aquarium, Ralf and Sommer, are one of five breeding pairs in the United States, according to the aquarium’s news release.
Additionally, with the birth of their two babies, Ralf and Sommer have introduced new viable genetics into the population pool for the first time in 50 years, according to the release.
Sommer laid 19 eggs in May and the two babies hatched in early September, according to the aquarium.
“The remaining eggs have not shown to be viable and are not expected to result in any more babies,” the release said.
Staff aren’t able to determine the sex of the crocodiles, but the aquarium is fairly sure they are both females because of the temperature in which their eggs were incubated, according to the release.
As the babies grow, the staff plans to move them to a partner facility.
“We’re on the hunt for the perfect new home for them, but for now, we’re over the moon to continue caring for them!” the staff said.
