World’s oldest zoo becomes first to breed protected crocodile species

This footage was filmed and produced 23 November 2023.The world's oldest zoo, Schoenbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria, achieves a historic milestone as the first to successfully breed protected crocodile tegus. The two offspring, born on November 23, mark a significant achievement for the zoo and the conservation of the semi-aquatic predatory lizards native to South America's Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield. The parents were originally seized in the Netherlands, residing in a Belgian zoo before transferring to Vienna in 2021. Anton Weissenbacher, zoo curator, highlighted the lack of reliable information on the species but shared the success of their efforts during the five-month incubation period. Crocodile tegus, targeted by smugglers for their value, are listed in CITES appendix II. Successful breeding provides valuable insights, contributing to their protection outside their natural habitat. Zoo director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck emphasizes the importance of collaborative conservation efforts to address the unprecedented loss of biodiversity on a global scale. As an IUCN member, the zoo is committed to species protection.