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The American Crocodile Project
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Get a close-up look at Florida’s only native saltwater crocodile species and see how active conservation efforts have successfully helped them recover. This specialized sanctuary focuses on breeding and monitoring native American Crocodiles in a custom-designed coastal wetland habitat. It is the perfect spot to learn the distinct differences in snout shape, behavior, and habitat preferences between native alligators and crocodiles.
These animals naturally thrive in tropical coastal lagoons and brackish estuaries, feeding on an aquatic diet of fish, crabs, and waterbirds. Their wild population density is naturally low due to their highly territorial nature and specific nesting requirements, which we carefully replicate here by maintaining a low-density, highly monitored research habitat to encourage natural breeding behaviors.
Swamp School
Fun Fact: Unlike alligators, American crocodiles have special glands on their tongues that act like little water-filters, helping them excrete excess salt so they can live in salty ocean water!
Gatorama Explorer Question: Ask a keeper or check the exhibit sign: How does the nest of an American crocodile differ from the mound-shaped nest of an American alligator?
