Abu Dhabi – The Nile crocodiles are native to the African continent. Despite their name, the species is widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. It may be considered the second-largest reptile in the world. Generally, they can reach 5 meters in length and weigh at least 225 kg.
A great hunter, the Nile crocodile has the strongest bite in the animal world: 1,600 kg per square centimeter, five times more intense than the big white shark’s.
An animal of superlatives, the Nile crocodile earned an exclusive park in Dubai gathering 250 babies and adults across an area equivalent to nearly three football fields. The venue is 20 kilometers from the center of the city and started welcoming visitors in April.
“The park aims to expand teh public knowledge and education,” said Tarryn Clare, the curator of Dubai Crocodile Park. Clare stressed the relevance of educating visitors on the importance of the conservation and protection of the Nile crocodiles. The South African added the founders of the park, who admire the species, noticed the public in general was fascinated by them, but from a fear perspective. “We’d like to be able to change this fear into a general fascination,” she went on.
The complex was especially designed for the comfort of the Nile crocodiles and recreates in Dubai the natural habitat of one of Africa’s largest predators. “It’s very crucial to have or to replicate the habitat as naturally as possible. Much thought went into how the park was built,” she said. The water, for example, is climate-controlled the whole year round — which is important considering the high temperatures in the summer of the United Arab Emirates.
The work to recreate the natural habit has paid off. For Tarryn, the fact that the Nile crocodiles reproduce in the park is an indication that they feel good in the venue. “Mothers are extremely protective. If they feel comfortable enough to engage in this natural behavior, then this shows we’re doing something right,” argues Clare.
To support the educational side, the park also has a museum of natural history that showcases trivia and tells the million-year history of the crocodilians that survived the major extinction event that killed the dinosaurs. The survival was made possible due to the morphology and unique traits that can still be found in the species to this day.
Apart from the museum, the park’s tank offers the visitors the opportunity to see the Nile crocodiles under the water. It’s an additional perspective to observe these animals that are central for the balance of the African ecosystem — and conquered the continent from the famous river.
Quick facts:
In addition to crocodiles, the park, which opens daily from 10 am to 10 pm, features restaurants and leisure areas. Tickets are available at the entrance for AED 75 for kids (3-12y) and AED 95 for adults.
Tip:
A good time to visit the park is 5:30 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. That’s time when the crocodiles are fed.
Find out more here
Content reproduced from UAE’s state news agency WAM
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
