By Darla Shelden, Metropolis Sentinel Reporter —
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Metropolis Zoo and Botanical Backyard has introduced the arrival of three six-month-old Chinese language alligator siblings. The infants hatched in September 2023 at Sedgewick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas.
This addition marks the primary time the OKC Zoo’s animal household has included Chinese language alligators in its historical past.
The hatchlings, who’re a part of Zoo’s Species Survival Plan, at the moment are on public view on the Zoo’s Underground habitat within the Kids’s Zoo, subsequent to the Zoo’s alligator snapping turtle hatchlings.
The Zoo is now house to each of the world’s solely two alligator species – Chinese language alligators and American alligators.
With solely 120 particular person Chinese language alligators left within the wild, the Zoo joins its Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) companions to protect the species as a part of the Chinese language Alligator Species Survival Plan® (SSP) and reintroduction program.
The Chinese language alligator, not like the considerable American alligator, is critically endangered with fewer than 120 of the species left within the wild. AZA’s SSP and reintroduction applications have been created to extend wild populations, whereas guaranteeing genetic variety.
“We’re proud to decide to this collaborative conservation effort and do our half to assist revitalize the declining inhabitants of Chinese language alligators of their native habitat,” mentioned the Zoo’s Assistant Curator of Herpetology, Seamus Ehrhard.
“By taking part on this SSP program, we’ve the chance to make a robust influence on Chinese language alligator conservation, whereas elevating public consciousness for this lesser-known crocodilian species,” Ehrhard added.
In 2003, the primary Chinese language alligators bred in human care have been efficiently reintroduced into the wild – a promising testomony to the essential function AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have in conserving wildlife.
Listed as critically endangered by the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature, Chinese language alligators are threatened by habitat loss. The species is confined to a small space of the Yangtze River basin in Jap China.
At present, the Zoo will act as a housing facility for the Chinese language alligator hatchlings with a aim of taking part within the Chinese language alligator breeding program sooner or later. The younger alligator ambassadors will reside on the Zoo for just a few years earlier than being paired with a mate at one other AZA group.
Chinese language alligators are comparatively small in comparison with American alligators – reaching a median size of 5 toes. The species will also be distinguished by its upturned snout and sturdy head.
Calm and reserved by nature, Chinese language alligators are often called extremely smart and inquisitive creatures. The native title for the species is Yow-Lung or T’o, which means “dragon.
The Oklahoma Metropolis Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to five p.m. day by day. Advance tickets are required for all friends and ZOOfriends members and might be bought at okczoo.org/tickets.
Zoo tickets are restricted every day to make sure secure social distancing amongst friends. Common admission is $12 for adults and $9 for youngsters ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Kids two and below are admitted free.
Memberships might be bought at ZOOfriends.org or anyplace admission is offered within the Zoo’s Entry Plaza throughout common enterprise hours.
To be taught extra about this occasion and Zoo different happenings, name 405-424-3344 or go to okczoo.org.
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