Gatorland welcome new baby gators, the third generation of the mighty American crocodile BONECRUSHER

Gatorland have announced the arrival of the third generation of the mighty American crocodile, BONECRUSHER, check them out!!

Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is celebrating the birth of some very special baby American Crocodiles at the park.

More than 36 eggs that were incubating at the park showed signs of life, resulting in several baby crocs emerged from their shells to the delight of Gatorland staff and lucky viewers that were watching on the park’s social media channels.

The eggs were retrieved from a nest inside Bonecrusher II’s exhibit. Members of Gatorland’s Animal Care Team incubated these very special eggs and watched over them as they hatched.

The babies have a special egg tooth on their nose that helps them break through the surface.

It’s hard work for the baby crocs to break free from their eggshell, and sometimes staff will help them by gently cracking the egg and making an initial opening for the babies to poke their noses out for their first breath of air.

Many baby crocs come out with their mouths wide open, ready to defend themselves from what would be natural predators in the wild. At birth, the hatchlings are seven to eight inches long.

They will be fully grown at about ten to twelve years old, weighing an average of 880 pounds and measuring up to 14 feet long.

The latest additions are direct descendants of the first big attraction at Gatorland, the original American Crocodile – Bonecrusher – who came to the park in the 1950s.

The new hatchlings are descendants of his son, Bonecrusher II, and another beloved American Crocodile, Pretty Croc.

Back in the 50s and 60s, Bonecrusher was the star attraction at Gatorland, and at 15 feet long and 1,080 pounds he was billed as the world's largest crocodile.

Gatorland founder Owen Godwin offered a reward of $1,000 to anyone who would prove this otherwise. No one ever produced a larger crocodile, and Bonecrusher remained the world's largest crocodile.

“This is an incredibly special event for all of us as we welcome the third generation of Bonecrushers into our Gatorland family,” said Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland. “The original Bonecrusher was such an iconic symbol of the early years at Gatorland, and the continuation of his lineage is symbolic of the generational growth of our family park.”

There isn’t a better place to see alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, from babies, also known as grunts, to the 14-foot monsters that call Gatorland home.

For more details check out the Gatorland website.

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