THREE Spectacled Caimans arrived at Amazon World Zoo Park in the early hours of this morning (June 18) after an eight-hour journey from Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes in Paris, France.

Ranging in size from 1 to 1.5 metres these impressive reptiles can reach up to 2.5 metres in length as mature adults. The Spectacled Caiman also known as the Common Caiman is named for the bony ridge between the front eyes that makes them look like they’re wearing a pair of spectacles. Originating from Central and South America the latest new arrivals at Amazon World Zoo Park should feel right at home in a brand new purpose built croc pool.

The trio have joined two other caiman that have already settled into the croc pool, which is a multi species exhibit housing several bird species as well. The new exhibit completed at the beginning of June has only taken about a month to build and staff at the zoo park are extremely happy with how this latest development has turned out. Head Keeper Rachel Patrick said, “The expansion of the croc pool is a fantastic addition to Amazon World, which gives the public a unique opportunity to get up close and see one of nature’s top predators.”

Spectacled Caiman are widely distributed in the wild due to their ability to inhabit both salt and fresh water and are currently classified as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Endangered species. They appear to have benefitted from over hunting and commercial utilisation of other crocodilian species, as they are able to colonise habitats in which they would previously have been outcompeted.

Their diet varies in the wild and consists largely of fish, amphibians, other reptiles and water birds; they are known to live for up to 24 years in captivity.

Although large populations exist in the wild spectacled caiman are still classified as Appendix II by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) due to their popularity in the pet trade, this means trade in live animals or their by products is controlled and regulated.