By Popular Demand - Crocs In The City

Our new Juvenile Nile Crocodile, just as they were released into the new exhibit

The Nile Crocodiles Are Here! Surrounded by massive excitement from both Lory Park Zoo staff and visitors, our new Nile crocodiles have already begun to settle into their exhibit, basking in the sun. Before this, If you had to guess the one question every zoo visitor would ask, the safest bet would be: “Excuse me, where are the crocodiles?”

Back in 2018, Lory Park Zoo’s previous pair of Nile crocodiles grew too large for us to safely and ethically house them, and they had to move on to a new home. Since then, the exhibit has hosted a variety of other species—from a mob of meerkats to an African Rock Monitor (a feisty lizard, no doubt, but not quite the prehistoric predator everyone wants to see). Each time a new species moved in, the exhibit was remodeled to meet their unique needs, taking it further from a crocodile’s natural habitat.

After immense effort by our incredible team, we’re thrilled to announce that the Nile crocodile exhibit has been restored to meet their specific needs. With permits in hand, a carefully replicated natural environment, and our keepers ready to care for them, our two juvenile crocs are now happily housed right at the zoo entrance. Nile crocodiles are among the most powerful predators, capable of growing up to 6 metres in length with a bite force exceeding 2000 kilograms per square inch! While the ones at Lory Park are still juveniles, they already display the tough skin and strength these reptiles are known for. Due to this, exceptional care is being taken to train them, both for their and our keepers' safety.

Native to Africa’s rivers, lakes, and marshes, Nile crocodiles are expert swimmers and patient hunters, often lurking underwater for hours with only their eyes and nostrils visible. They can survive long periods without food, thanks to their slow metabolism.

As apex predators, Nile crocodiles play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems by controlling populations of fish, birds, and other animals. Sadly, they face threats like habitat loss and poaching. Here at Lory Park Zoo, we’re committed to raising awareness about these incredible animals and supporting conservation efforts. Our new Nile crocodile exhibit not only brings you closer to these prehistoric predators but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving their natural habitats. So when you visit, take a moment to appreciate not just their strength and beauty, but also the role they play in the world around them. Make sure to stop by and see our two incredible new additions! We're open every day, 10am to 4:30pm, with animal encounters like reptile contact and flying owls as well as big cat feeding and talks on weekends and public holidays.