Words by Tess Becker
The gharial crocodile is a critically endangered lizard with a thin snout that calls India and Nepal home. Also known as gavial or fish-eating crocodile has an estimated population of 800 left in the wild.
Stateside, at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas, there have been four “groundbreaking births” of the gharial crocodile in what’s been called a “historic conservation success.”
Of the 35 gharial crocodiles living in US zoos, four are in the care of the Fort Worth Zoo including one male and three females. Two of those females laid the clutches, introducing a new bloodline into the populations not living in the wild.
"The Fort Worth Zoo is the only institution in the United States to have produced multiple offspring of this critically endangered species," the zoo said in a statement. "The Zoo is incredibly proud to announce this groundbreaking conservation success, quadrupling the number of births to ever take place in the U.S."
All of the Fort Worth gharials are 42-43 years old. Gharial crocodiles can live up to 50-60 years, so it's possible the zoo could develop future clutches and hatchlings.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Four Paws UK. This charity is an animal welfare organisation, working globally to help animals in need. Learn more here.
Wildlife Justice Commission. This international foundation works to end animal trafficking around the globe. Find out more here.
Born Free. This is a wildlife conservation charity that’s passionate about wild animal welfare and Compassionate Conservation. Find out more here.
