The first of a clutch of 6 saltwater crocodile eggs successfully hatched at Butterfly Creek in the early hours of this morning. The first arrival – a first for New Zealand – it emerged at 6am.
The croc eggs, which take approximately 80 days to hatch, were imported from Australia’s Northern Territory and arrived at Butterfly Creek in mid-April. The eggs were shipped over in a specially constructed pack and were then placed in an incubator which catered to both temperature and humidity requirements.
The hatching process was drawn out over more than 20 hours, starting with a small piercing in the egg (called “pipping”), through which a tiny head soon popped. The little ones then slowly pushed their bodies through the egg opening , accompanied by the odd chirp as the efforts increased. Keeper intervention then helped the hatchlings through any difficult stages.
The little snappers were 28-30cms long when born, with the tail accounting for almost half their size.
The sex of the Crocodiles will be determined at later date.
And ignore what they said when they told you never to smile at a Crocodile – these guys are essentially all gums when born. The big choppers don’t arrive until later.
John Dowsett, General Manager of Butterfly Creek expressed his delight at the successful hatching. “two years ago, after 3 years of effort we finally brought over two huge saltwater crocs. New Zealanders finally had an opportunity to get up close to giant crocs without leaving the country. The arrival of these little guys rounds things off really nicely. We are really proud of achieving these significant New Zealand firsts and very pleased that we can now provide our visitors with an even greater appreciation of these mighty creatures”.
The crocodiles be kept off exhibit for a number of weeks whilst they are carefully monitored and cared for, after which they will be relocated to a purpose built, underwater viewing exhibit which will be constructed in the tropical Butterfly House
