We at Texas Zoos are thrilled to share exciting news from the Fort Worth Zoo, which has made history by successfully hatching critically endangered gharial crocodiles for the second year in a row! This monumental conservation achievement marks the first time in North America that back-to-back hatchlings have occurred, underscoring the Zoo’s dedication to preserving this remarkable species.
A Breakthrough in Conservation
The Fort Worth Zoo proudly announces the arrival of two new gharial hatchlings this summer, reinforcing its status as the only institution in North America to achieve repeated gharial breeding success. Recognized as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), gharials face numerous threats in the wild, making these hatchlings a significant victory for conservation efforts.
“Everyone here at the Fort Worth Zoo is ecstatic to have repeated success with our gharial hatchings for the second year in a row,” said Vicky Poole, associate curator of ectotherms. “Having two additional hatchlings is a big win for growing the gharial population in zoos and expanding knowledge to help this critically endangered species survive.”
Meet the Gharial Crocodile
Gharials are among the largest crocodilian species, easily recognized by their long, slender snouts designed for catching fish. Excellent swimmers, gharials spend much of their lives in water. Although the current hatchlings are just over 12 inches long, they are expected to grow rapidly. Adult male gharials can reach up to 16 feet in length and weigh nearly 1,500 pounds, while females remain slightly smaller.
Dedicated Efforts for a Brighter Future
The Fort Worth Zoo’s gharial habitat, part of the Museum of Living Art (MOLA), was purpose-built in 2010 to support the breeding and conservation of these magnificent reptiles. Key features include regulated water temperatures, a specially designed waterfront for easy access, and heated sand for egg incubation. These state-of-the-art facilities have been instrumental in the Zoo’s breeding success.
The latest hatchlings were born on June 16 and June 22, coinciding with Vicky Poole’s acceptance of the 2024 Joseph Laszlo Memorial Award from the International Herpetological Symposium. This award celebrates the Fort Worth Zoo’s outstanding work in gharial husbandry and breeding, culminating in this year’s groundbreaking achievement.
Visit the Fort Worth Zoo!
Although the new hatchlings are currently being closely monitored behind the scenes, the Fort Worth Zoo invites you to meet last year’s gharial hatchlings on Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28, inside the Museum of Living Art at the Discovery Hub from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bring your family to experience this unique opportunity and learn more about the incredible conservation efforts happening right here in Texas. Come and support the Fort Worth Zoo’s mission to protect and preserve these amazing creatures.
Plan your visit today and be a part of this remarkable journey towards wildlife conservation!
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