Chinese Alligator » Rotterdam Zoo

Chinese Alligator
23-05-2008

Small disaster in Rotterdam, they created a whole new Chinese Alligator exhibit, in which the alligators could first go into hibernation and then come outside and try and breed. Then they got the London Zoo pair to add to their lone female to form a small group.

They went into hibernation fine, but for some unknown reason they didn't get out of it and then all three of them died. They have no idea why, but it's a terrible shame

23-05-2008

That is a great shame... Will the zoo receive more Chinese alligators?

23-05-2008

It is really a sad news, mainly because this new exhibit should be among the best as I have heard... But they are not the only one zoo with rather poor results with this species. Do you know what temperature they used during this winter? I have read they should hibernate by 7-8 Degrees C, but hardly anyone wants to risk it with so low temps. The once mentioned Czech private keeper use 12C and some other 14-15C, but so warm wintering is probably the main reason they do not breed.

I think they want to continue with these crocs in Blijdorp? But I am afraid they will ask for the young female which is currently off-show at Zoo Ohrada (south Bohemia), the last remaining Chinese Alligator in Czech zoos. She is an Bronx-offspring, but have gone through Blijdorp and Plzen to Ohrada, and is most probably just loaned and still owned by Blijdorp.

24-05-2008

That is a terrible shame about the alligators.