NEWPORT, KY — The Newport Aquarium is showing off the newest additions to the aquarium.
Officials announced the arrivals of three new baby Orinoco crocodiles, some of the rarest and most endangered reptiles in the world, on Thursday.
The crocodiles came to Gater Alley through a partnership between Newport Aquarium and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Biologist at the aquarium will raise the babies for about two and a half years, according to a release. Once they reach slightly over three feet long, the crocodiles will be transported to Venezuela “where they will help repopulate the dwindling number of Orinoco crocodiles in the wild.”
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The Orinoco crocodiles were hunted to near extinction over the last century for their skin to make boots, purses and other items, making them critically endangered.
Scientists estimated there are currently as few as 1,500 of these crocodiles left in the wild.
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“They may be little now, but these three babies have the potential to make an enormous impact on the world and their entire species,” Erin Muldoon, Newport Aquarium Biologist, said. “We’re honored to be a part of an effort like this where caring for these little guys can have a direct impact on preventing extinction.”
The new exhibit with these baby crocodiles opens Friday.
More information on the Newport Aquarium can be found here.