Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Crocodile Swamp
courtesy to : www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=1356
Other websites about How to house and care :
- crocodilian.com/paleosuchus/captivecare.html
- www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/alligator-enclosure.
- animals.sandiegozoo.org/index.php/animals/crocodilian
- www.aquariumtechnology.com/zoo-displays/
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU, Great Britain
Phone: +44-(0)-1803 696220
Fax: +44 (0)1803 523457
URL: http://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
DESCRIPTION: :
Crocodile Swamp was conceived as an educational vehicle to highlight some of the world’s largest reptilian predators and the threats they currently face, using three species as ambassadors for the family: Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer), Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) and Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
The exhibit was designed to hold large crocodiles in four purpose built pools, while the fifth contains matamata turtles and the giant water lily (Victoria sp.). Landscaping in the exhibit has been designed to immerse the public into a tropical planting scheme, the aim of which is to support the visitor experience and the main animal exhibit theme of a swamp. A sub-theme for the landscaping is the conservation of plants. These are grown in close proximity to animals, so that stories can be presented in a holistic way.
Snakes are housed in three purpose built enclosures. The first, an open air exhibit, allows visitors an unobstructed view of giant snakes: reticulated python (Python reticulatus), Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) and rock python (Python sebae). The other two exhibits are set in themed areas with special lighting schemes and tropical thunderstorm effects.
Functional off-show accommodation in an attached building was constructed in Phase 2 of development to increase the amount of exhibit space within Crocodile Swamp. This space is mainly used for long term storage and for veterinary work.
PLANTS: :
Crocodile swamp is a composition of animals and plants in one building. The building has sufficient height for full grown trees. The planting was designed to detract from the structure of the building by enclosing the visitor in vegetation. Plants were chosen for their aesthetics and of conservational importance, as well as providing an educational factor. They were chosen from three different areas of the world, reflecting the ranges of habitats of the animals in the exhibit. Many of these locations are of conservational significance: Belize & Costa Rica (South America), Madagascar & Mauritius (Indian Ocean), and locations in the Caribbean. Some of these species will be recognised by the visitor as the fruits being found widely in supermarkets. Other species reflect amenity interests found in tropical gardens and medicinal plants such as the endangered Madagascan periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) which have retarding effect on progress of leukaemia.
The plant list specifies the Latin names of the plants used for this exhibit.
FEATURES DEDICATED TO ANIMALS:
All exhibits have species specific thermoregulation and planting to provide behavioural and environmental enrichment, such as cover, the opportunity to dig and a range of other behaviours. The building is maintained at a temperature of 25°C during the day and 18°C at night.
FEATURES DEDICATED TO KEEPERS:
All the pools are interconnected so that the animals can be moved around for enclosure maintenance and cleaning and to separate individuals in case of aggression. Exhibits can be emptied from water for maintenance via a pumping system.
FEATURES DEDICATED TO VISITORS:
Crocodile Swamp provides viewing of crocodiles from above to underwater towards the exit. Landscaping was designed to immerse visitors into a tropical environment.
Ramp structures make the exhibit accessible to disabled visitors.
INTERPRETATION:
Interpretation is through a mixture of interactive exhibits and graphics. Children and adults can stand on the scales to see what size giant lily pad would hold their weight. Visitors can dare to put their hands in a crocodile’s mouth to reach a ticking clock. A rain machine simulates the sound of the rain in the rainforest. A ‘shop’ by the exit allows you to see the environmental cost of the everyday products in your home. These exhibits are accompanied by informative signs on the species, their conservation status, threats and ecology. Many plants grown within the exhibit are significant to conservation, commercial and everyday use.
More photos for the enclosures :
Crocodilians .. introduction
- Housing crocodiles : further reading & DIY projects
Videos for housing the crocodiles ..
- Crocodiles miscellaneous and other issues
- Species List : PART ONE -- PART TWO ( dwarf crocodiles )