American alligators make spectacular entry
at the Antwerp ZOO

The Reptile Building welcomes new residents.

Even if the red carpet had not been rolled out, the new American alligators did not miss their entry.
It is indeed with the help of a crane that the three famous alligators were hoisted, one by one, through an opening in the roof of the Reptile Building to be deposited in their new enclosure.
An exciting and unique event in the history of the Anves ZOO, because never before has an animal been transported in its enclosure in this way.
Marine biologist Philippe Jouk described the arrival of the new reptiles as "big news for the ZOO".

Big news for the ZOO

Take it in the literal sense of the word, because the largest female already measures almost three meters and weighs a hundred pounds.
"They have not yet reached their final size and will still grow in length and width and gain weight," explains the healer Erik.
"The three alligators come from the same brood and are sixteen years old.
They are still young, because such an alligator can easily reach the age of fifty. "

Exchange between animal parks

Before moving to Antwerp, the animals resided in the Tropical Aquarium in Paris.
Due to major renovations, the park closes for a long time.
The management was therefore looking for a new home for the three sisters.
As part of an exchange between the two animal parks, the caimans from Antwerp will soon join the French capital. The three reptiles will stay in Antwerp permanently.
With the arrival of the new alligators, this is the first time since the departure of the crocodiles from the Nile in 2008 that we can once again admire great crocodilians at the ZOO.

Fascinating animals

In the coming days, these robust ladies will have time to get used to their new environment and explore it at ease.
The turtles already seem reassured and are particularly curious about their new neighbors.
From Saturday June 13, visitors will be able to admire these newcomers to the ZOO.
"Reptiles may not be the most adorable creatures, but they are terribly fascinating and absolutely worth a visit," says healer Erik.

Message well received, see you later, alligator!