Thursday 12 January 2012

Reptile keepers raid alligator nest - theherald.com.au

13 January 2012

Five brave reptile keepers were involved in an American alligator nest raid today at the Australian Reptile Park at Somersby.

The alligators at the park usually lay their eggs between Christmas and New Year, but were running a little late due to the cool weather.

Four of the reptile keepers restrained the female alligator while the fifth raided the nest, removing up to 60 eggs.

Plenty of care and man power was needed as the mother is an excellent protector and will aggressively guard up to 400 eggs that she lays.

Some of the eggs are selected for incubation until they hatch about 70 days later.

The Australian Reptile Park is the only zoo in Australia that breeds American alligators and supplies zoos both around the country and internationally.


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