Reptiles

Tomistoma

The San Antonio Zoo Reptile/Amphibian
Department proudly announces the hatching of three tomistoma babies. Extremely significant from a conservation standpoint, we are the fourth institution in the US to produce baby Tomistoma (Miami Metro Zoo and the Bronx in 1985, and Cypress Gardens Florida in 1999). We are the first zoo in the US to produce them more than once, much less two years in a row. With three babies this year and two last year, the zoo expects even greater success in the years to come!

Currently less than a foot long, the new babies are getting lots of special attention off exhibit. To see last year’s youngsters, stop by the Reptile House. They are now on exhibit for the very first time! Then you can brag to your friends that you are one of the ONLY people in the world to have seen a baby tomistoma in person! Want to see more? At around 10 & 14 feet long, Mom ”Nadia ” and Dad “Boris” live in the wetlands exhibit across from Lory Landing.

Conservation side note: Critically endangered and very reclusive, tomistoma are hard to study in the wild. Observations made in zoos help the scientific community better understand the reproductive and developmental strategies of this amazing animal. In October, your Zoo hosted experts from around the country at the North American Crocodilian Advisory Group annual meeting. Here, Scott Pfaff from Riverbanks Zoo (also the studbook keeper for Tomistoma) presents findings alongside other presentations relating to crocodilian biology and conservation.

 

 

Photos: CAG fundraising Chair
Lori Watkins-Lawson reviewing fundraising efforts the past year. (38)

 

Scott Pfaff, Riverbanks Zoo (and Tomistoma studbook keeper/ SSP coordinator) reports on a survey of tomistoma habitat in Mesangat. (43)

 

2009 babies, Fernando and Not Fernando in the Reptile House exhibit. (006)

 

(013) Parents: “Nadia” and “Boris”