The new aquarium exhibit is now open

Looking for some wild fun this summer? You’re in luck because the Newport Aquarium is now home to some of the rarest and most endangered reptiles in the world, baby Orinoco Crocodiles.

Recently, the Aquarium debuted its new Orinoco crocodile exhibit that aims to educate visitors about the animals and conservation efforts—according to a press release.

Thanks to a partnership between the Newport Aquarium and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Newport Aquarium will raise the crocodiles for the first two-and-a-half years of their lives, allowing guests to watch them grow and develop. Once the crocodiles reach around three feet in length, they will be transported to Venezuela where they will assist in repopulating the dwindling number of Orinoco crocodiles in the wild.

According to Newport Aquarium, Orinoco crocodiles are “critically endangered after being hunted to near extinction over the last century for their skin to make boots, purses and other items.” Once millions of them filled the banks of the great Orinoco River in South America, but scientists estimate there are currently as few as 1,500 left in the wild.

Newport Aquarium Biologist Erin Muldoon said programs like this are essential to conservation efforts. “They may be little now, but these three babies have the potential to make an enormous impact on the world and their entire species,” said Muldoon. “We’re honored to be a part of an effort like this where caring for these little guys can have a direct impact on preventing extinction.”

For more information about the Aquarium and tickets, visit https://www.newportaquarium.com.