It’s that time again! Breeding season for the estuarine crocodile is in full swing. During the build-up to the wet season, the estuarine crocodile prepares for mating, and once the wet season starts they begin to lay their eggs. Sheila, our female crocodile has been nesting again and has produced a reasonable clutch of eggs this year.
Once Sheila laid the eggs, our friends at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures gave us a quick hand. Whilst our team distracted Sheila, her eggs were removed carefully. These were then handed to the team at Hartley’s for the next stage of their development.
Although the average time for these eggs to hatch is 80 days, the temperature of the nest influences the development of the eggs. The warmer the nests , the quicker the eggs will develop. When these eggs were removed for incubation, we were careful to keep the eggs in the same position they were laid. This is so the embryo stays sitting in the egg the same way the mother left them. The removal and incubation of these eggs is crucial to their survival and research so we can better understand these incredible creatures.
Some of Sheila’s previous eggs have now hatched and are currently being used for our shows and crocodile presentations. So be sure to look out for them next time you are at our park! For more information on Sheila or these eggs, visit us at the Wildlife Habitat
