Croc Swamp Opens!
Kay Elliott's new £1.7m Crocodile and snake exhibit opens - visit if you dare!
Our new Crocodile Swamp has just opened, home to some of the most aggressive, largest, and longest reptiles in the world, inclding both crocodiles and snakes.
The exhibit replicates the humid atmosphere, lush vegetation and tall tropical palms of a swamp. A raised partially glazed pathway above the pools gradually descends as it winds around the house, giving changing views of the animals.
The spokesman from the zoo said: “The first reptiles are the Nile crocodiles. This large species is capable of reaching lengths approaching six metres. Some rogue crocs have even taken the occasional human.
“The next enclosure is home to the Cuban crocodiles. Not only is the Cuban the most colourful of crocodiles, it is also one of the most endangered, occurring in just two small swamps in Cuba. One of the cuban crocodiles here was rescued from a Russian sailors bathtub in the north of England!
“Although comparatively small, this species is renowned for being agile and aggressive. A party trick is to leap out of the water and snatch birds perched on overhanging branches.
“Moving along the walkway, you are confronted by the world’s longest snake, the reticulated python. Here is an innovative moated enclosure that has no glass and has been designed so that the people are just out of reach of the snakes.”
“Further on is another display of large snakes, this time in a mock research hut where there will be other species of pythons as well as boa constrictors.
“The final display provides viewing both above and below water of another occasional man-eater and the world’s largest crocodile, the saltwater crocodile. It can grow to over six metres in length and weigh around 1,000 kilos.
“Finally, do not be fooled by the sometimes inert crocs. Like most big reptiles, each is well aware of what’s going on. They are waiting, just waiting, so take care!
Crocodile Swamp has been part-financed by a grant from the European Regional Development Fund, with £800,000 from Gift Aid donations made by zoo visitors.
The exhibit also houses a mix of exotic monster plants with razor-sharp teeth that will thrive in the hot and humid conditions.
Head gardener Catherine Mortimer has cultivated giant water lilies for the attraction. Victoria cruziana comes from the upper reaches of the Amazon in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay and has leaves two metres in diameter with up-turned edges.
