Crocodile Zoo, Falster

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The Crocodile Zoo (Danish: Krokodille Zoo) is a zoo on the Danish island of Falster. It is located just to the southwest of Gundslevmagle, northeast of Eskilstrup, towards the northern centre of the island. Established in 2000, the zoo had (not has??) the world's second largest collection of crocodiles with 21 of the 23 existing varieties.[1] The zoo is in possession of a giant Nile crocodile called Samson, which is currently the largest crocodile in Scandinavia.

History

Founded by Rene Hedegaard,[2] it is the largest museum of its kind in Europe. Developed in cooperation with Bøgecentret, the museum opened to the public in June 2000.[3]

Exhibits

Although the exterior of the zoo is not striking, located at an old farm in the countryside, its exhibits are more impressive. It provides a good opportunity to see the difference between crocodiles, alligators and all the other species. Crocodiles are inactive most of the time but with so many variants, at least one of them is likely to be active during a visit.[1] A portion of each sold admission ticket is contributed towards conservation projects conducted by the Crocodile Specialist Group.[3] All crocodiles in the zoo come from prior captivity.[3] All the larger crocodiles are housed in well designed surroundings with plants and artificial cliffs which they share with turtles and lizards. The smaller breeds have spacious terrariums at their disposal, allowing them to be seen close up.

The visit starts with the huge Nile crocodiles and the slightly smaller gharials, before proceeding down a long corridor lined with crocodiles on either side. The zoo is in possession of a giant Nile crocodile called Samson, which is currently the largest crocodile in Scandinavia.[4]At the far end, there is a pit with large turtles. Around the walls there are smaller terriums with other reptiles such as snakes, including a green anaconda.[3][4] The visit ends in a small tropical house where large alligators can be seen from a footbridge. There are red lories, green iguanas, and marmosets as well as small tarrariums for baby crocodiles and alligators.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Krokodille Zoo", zoos.dk. (Danish) Retrieved 15 December 2012.
  2. ↑ Snyder, Trish (24 July 2006). Alligator & Crocodile Rescue: Changing the Future for Endangered Wildlife. Firefly Books. p. 34. ISBN 978-1-55297-920-4. Retrieved 15 December 2012. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Kørvel, Henning (September 24, 2012). "Krokodille-Zoo med succes på FALSTER" (in Danish). BT. Retrieved 15 December 2012. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Denmark: Denmark. Dorling Kindersley Limited. 1 June 2010. p. 167. ISBN 978-1-4053-5311-3. Retrieved 16 December 2012. 

External links

Coordinates: 54°51′50″N 11°54′35″E / 54.86389°N 11.90972°E / 54.86389; 11.90972

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