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Crocodile Swamp – Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon
The first dedicated crocodile house to be built in the UK in 15 years opens its doors to the public on Saturday 3rd May.
The £1.5 million Crocodile Swamp at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon is home to the only Cuban crocodiles in the country.
One of these came to Paignton Zoo after it was seized by customs officials at Liverpool docks. It was on board a ship that had sailed from Cuba - a Russian sailor was keeping the crocodile in his cabin.
The three Cuban crocodiles are joined by two Nile crocodiles and one of only four saltwater crocodiles in the country. In addition, there will be four species of large snake - African python, reticulated python, Indian python and boa constrictors – and a dazzling range of tropical plants.
The Cuban is one of the world’s most threatened crocodiles. Classified as Endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), it is capable of leaping out of the water to take small mammals from overhanging tree branches. Nile and saltwater crocodiles are both known to attack humans in the wild.
Paignton Zoo Executive Director Simon Tonge said: “This is a daring and innovative exhibit created to inspire and excite people. We think the open-fronted snake exhibit is the first of its kind for large snakes. We also have the largest crocodile pools in the UK with underwater viewing.
“We want Crocodile Swamp to be thrilling, engaging and imaginative. The aim is to give visitors an amazing experience, raise conservation issues and inspire people.”
Crocodile Swamp has cost £1.5 million. The project has been part-financed by a grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.
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The £1.5 million Crocodile Swamp at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon is home to the only Cuban crocodiles in the country.
One of these came to Paignton Zoo after it was seized by customs officials at Liverpool docks. It was on board a ship that had sailed from Cuba - a Russian sailor was keeping the crocodile in his cabin.
The three Cuban crocodiles are joined by two Nile crocodiles and one of only four saltwater crocodiles in the country. In addition, there will be four species of large snake - African python, reticulated python, Indian python and boa constrictors – and a dazzling range of tropical plants.
The Cuban is one of the world’s most threatened crocodiles. Classified as Endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), it is capable of leaping out of the water to take small mammals from overhanging tree branches. Nile and saltwater crocodiles are both known to attack humans in the wild.
Paignton Zoo Executive Director Simon Tonge said: “This is a daring and innovative exhibit created to inspire and excite people. We think the open-fronted snake exhibit is the first of its kind for large snakes. We also have the largest crocodile pools in the UK with underwater viewing.
“We want Crocodile Swamp to be thrilling, engaging and imaginative. The aim is to give visitors an amazing experience, raise conservation issues and inspire people.”
Crocodile Swamp has cost £1.5 million. The project has been part-financed by a grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.