Baby crocodile hatches at Dubai Aquarium

Officials at the Dubai Aquarium said the hatching of the baby croc indicates how effortlessly King Croc and his companion have adapted to their home. Courtesy Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

King Croc, one of the world’s largest reptiles, and Queen Croc, his companion for over 20 years, are now proud parents. Courtesy Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

More baby crocs are expected to hatch in the next couple of days. Courtesy Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

DUBAI // King Croc and Queen Croc finally became parents when, after 90 days of incubation, their first baby crocodile hatched at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall.

And the happy couple should not have to wait long for their newborn to enjoy the company of some brothers and sisters as more hatchlings are expected in the next few days.

In an unusual display for an 80-year-old, Queen Croc demonstrated nest-building behaviour at precisely the same time as wild crocodiles in Australia.

She laid 59 eggs, but over the three-month incubation period many of them stopped developing and only 24 remain in the incubators. Caretakers put this down to Queen Croc’s old age and her dwindling reproductive capability.

In the wild, typically, nearly 90 per cent of all baby crocodiles struggle to survive, becoming victims of natural predators such as large fish and monitor lizards.

King Croc has been a dedicated partner for 20 of his 40 years, showing little interest in any other females.

Paul Hamilton, general manager and curator at the aquarium, said: “The successful hatching of the baby croc highlights the conducive environment that Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo offers to King Croc and his companion, and how effortlessly they have adapted to their home in Dubai.”

The facility has been approved by the Ministry of Education for school visits as part of the curriculum.

“As one of the most popular attractions in the city, the expansion of their family will further add to the appeal of visitors, who can gain unique insights on crocodiles,” Mr Hamilton said.