Prague Zoo – the Indian Gavial Crocodile Pavilion

Seven young Indian gavial (or gharial) crocodiles, which are presently threatened with imminent extinction in the wild, can now be seen in a special new pavilion at Prague Zoo.

Prague zoological garden has become the only European zoo where these gavial crocodiles are breeding. Outside of India, breeding gavials are found in only 10 zoos in four countries (USA, Japan, Singapore and Sri Lanka), which altogether hold a mere 19 breeding individuals. The Prague group of 3 male and 4 female gavials is a record number.

The Indian Gavial, whose natural habitat is the rivers of the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, is evolutionarily, in its way of life and with its formidable, bizarre appearance, a wholly unique crocodile. The first thing that immediately captures one’s attention is the very long and thin jaw equipped with razor-sharp teeth. This is perfectly adapted for hunting fish, which form the main constituent of its diet. Of all the crocodiles, the gavial is the most bound to water – while it is very ungainly on land, it is incomparable when swimming and diving. Males grow to about 6–7 metres.

The Indian gavial crocodile is one of the symbols of the unique Indian fauna, and today, unfortunately, it is also one of the most threatened symbols. Less than 200 individuals are now believed to live in the wild. Of these, a mere 20 are believed to be adult females.