In preparations for winter, we fuel our gas heaters and adjust the home temperatures. Insects gather their food as they prepare to hibernate. So are reptiles and zoo crocodiles are no different. During hot temperatures a crocodile’s digestive system is fast but in winter their metabolism is slow. Therefore, they do not eat. They become inactive and do not regulate their body temperature.
The zoo houses twelve crocodiles, eight of which, voluntarily moved to the hot house in preparation for winter months. However, four of the females did not move. Last week, the animal welfare and veterinary team had to capture and house those four female crocodiles, taking them from ‘crocodile country’ and placing them in the hot house where the temperature is kept warm with heaters and infrared lights. This annual event is done at the beginning of winter so that the crocodiles can survive the cold weather. They will remain indoors until Spring.
Interesting facts about crocodiles:
- Nile crocodiles’ digestive system is fast during hot temperatures but in winter their metabolism is slow. Therefore, they do not eat. They become inactive and do not regulate their body temperature.
- They are the largest and the heaviest of present-day reptiles.
- Crocodiles can live up to 70 years in captivity and 45 years in the wild.
- Nile crocodiles can weigh up to 800kg and reach lengths of up to 5 meters. They congregate around water as one of Africa's most feared predators, using water as camouflage to hunt as well as protection. They are the only reptile group that exhibits parental care, as hatchlings are protected by the mother for a few months after birth. Their body is grey with a yellowish belly.
- Their diet includes amphibians, fish, birds and even mammals.
- The females lay 16-60 eggs in a hole dug on a riverbank several meters above the water level. When the young hatchlings hatch, the female digs them out and gently move them with her mouth before carrying them into the water in batches.
During your next visit to the zoo, be sure to see the crocodiles in the hot house.
