00:04These freshwater crocodilian hatchlings are false gharials, also known as
00:08Themistomers, and here at San Antonio Zoo, they are local miracles.
00:17Themistomers are currently listed as vulnerable in the wild, and they are notoriously difficult
00:21to breed in zoos, so a successful breeding program is definitely something to be proud
00:26of. The Themistomers breeding program here at San Antonio Zoo is, we like to say we're
00:30the best. We've done it the most, this is our third clutch that we have hatched here.
00:34So when it comes to caring for these little legends, the keepers at San Antonio Zoo try
00:39to mimic their natural environment as much as possible. They love wetland habitats, they
00:43love water, but they also like forest, they like to feel secure. So what we've done with
00:47our little gharial playpen behind here is we've got wetlands, we've got secure walls, and they
00:52feel comfortable. And by the looks of it, these hatchlings feel right at home. At this age,
01:00they're learning how to stalk, hunt, and strike. And today, they are practicing their natural
01:08instincts on crickets. So they cruise up very discreetly, very quietly, especially when they
01:16see some movement, and the unknowing prey item is not going to know they're coming. And then,
01:21with the blink of an eye, they catch it.
01:31Most of the time, they manage to catch their prey. But some of the time, the prey comes out
01:39on top. Perhaps these Temistema hatchlings are practicing that crocodilian stealth mode that
01:47they are so famous for.
01:48people.
01:49people.
01:51people.
01:52people.
01:53people.
01:54people.
01:54people.
01:55people.
Comments