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Search forNigel's snap happy as croc swamp opens
Thursday, July 31, 2008, 07:00
The formal opening was delayed by two months due to technical hitches in starting up the exhibit which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, although the public have been able to see the display for several weeks.
Introducing the guest of honour and explaining the delay, zoo director Simon Tonge: “I believe you will think it is worth the wait.”
Mr Tonge said humans have a special relationship with crocodiles, both species are top of the food chain and both prey on each other.
“The aim of the exhibit is to be informative about crocodiles and help people appreciate and care about them in the same way we do at the zoo,” he explained.
There are three species of crocodile on show, Nile, Cuban and saltwater, as well as giant snakes like pythons and boa constrictors, some of which are at eye-level or visible through an underwater display, as well as fish and jungle plants all housed in the heat and steam of a swamp atmosphere.
Nigel Marven was full of praise for the standard of display, sound effects, and educational aspects.
He said: “For up-close and personal this is a great exhibit, and to get an underwater view is rare.
“This is probably the best reptile display I have seen in the UK.”
He said the star of the show is the Cuban crocodile: “They can be seen nowhere else in the UK. They are extremely agile and can gallop as fast as a pony,” he said.
“If you come back in a few months you may be able to see them in action and the keepers have been working with them to get them used to their enclosure and feeding them so you will be able to see what they are capable of.
“They are the most exciting crocodiles in the world and they are here in Paignton.”
A zoo spokesman said: “The keepers are working off-show on the feeding but the intention is they will eventually be fed in public.
“How long that will be or what form the feeding will take is not yet certain but it will be fantastic when it happens.”
VIPs were shown the exhibit by zoo officials and afterwards Torbay elected mayor Nick Bye said: “The display is brilliant and it is something else to be so close to crocodiles.
“There is something about them that is just fascinating and they draw you in.
“It is a very exciting and very attractive exhibit.”
After the formalities, Nigel gave a two wildlife talks to members of the public.
More than 200 people snapped up the opportunity to hear him.
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