Indian Gharials Return to the Zoo

April 5, 2017

Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

Indian gharials are slender-snouted crocodilians native to northern India. They're also critically endangered. Eighty percent of the remaining world population lives in the Chambal River in India—the last strong hold for the species.

The eight gharial in JungleWorld were hatched at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust Center for Herpetology (MCBT) and brought to the Bronx Zoo as part of an ongoing conservation partnership to be ambassadors for the species.

"As people watch the gharials swim, bask, and interact with the other wildlife in the exhibit, we hope to raise awareness of the dire conservation needs of these animals in the wild," said Don Boyer, Bronx Zoo herpetology curator.

Come out and see them this Spring Break! We've got great programming planned.

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