Newport Aquarium Reaches Milestone in Effort to Save Orinoco Crocodiles from Extinction

Critically Endangered Crocodile Species Raised by Aquarium to Return to Wild

Newport, Ky. (August 7, 2024)— Newport Aquarium is celebrating a conservation achievement as three young Orinoco crocodiles prepare to return to South America to help repopulate their species in the wild. This exciting milestone was reached through an ongoing partnership between Newport Aquarium and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to save the Orinoco crocodile, one of the rarest and most endangered reptiles in the world.

For the past two and a half years, three young Orinoco crocodiles have called Newport Aquarium home. They arrived in Gator Alley as babies in May 2022, weighing less than 1 pound each at the time. Since then, visitors have been able to watch the reptiles grow and mature as the aquarium followed carefully developed standards on diet and habitat, all intended to prepare them for their ultimate release into the wild once they grew large enough. Today, the now 3-year-old crocodiles weigh over 11 pounds and are a little over three feet long. That marks the perfect transition point for their return to the wild to help add to their dangerously low population.

Once they leave Newport Aquarium, the young Orinoco crocodiles will travel to the banks of the great Orinoco River in South America. Millions of Orinoco crocodiles used to call this region home but have been hunted to near extinction because of demand for their hides to be used for shoes and handbags. It’s now estimated there are as few as 1,500 left in the wild.

“As a biologist, it’s been so rewarding to watch these little ones grow day by day and to be a part of their journey,” said Assistant Curator Laurel Johnson, “It’s bittersweet to see them leave, but it’s an honor to have reached this milestone in this global conservation effort to save these critically endangered animals.”

Visitors will have one more week to see these Orinoco crocodiles one last time and wish them a bon voyage. They’ll also get to explore Gator Alley where they can learn how to help these rare and endangered animals. The aquarium is currently offering two free extra months with the purchase of Gold and Platinum Memberships. General admission tickets are also available at a discount when purchased online in advance at NewportAquarium.com.

Newport Aquarium, named one of the top ten U.S. aquariums in USA Today’s 10Best.com and one of the top U.S. aquariums by Leisure Group Travel, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine, and also by Travel Channel, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.