Make is snappy...this baby croc looks so cute (From Witney Gazette)

Make is snappy...this baby croc looks so cute

7:00am Friday 27th July 2012 in News

BABY crocodiles from an at-risk sub-species have been born at a conservation centre in Oxfordshire.

Eleven West African dwarf crocodiles, from a clutch of 18, have been born at Crocodiles of the World in Crawley, near Witney, since Monday.

The sub-species is listed as vulnerable, but only five years ago it was rated endangered.

It is the third year that parents Jolie, 18, and Monty, 12, have bred. Last year six hatched from a clutch of 13.

Shaun Foggett is pictured holding one of the baby crocodiles.

Mr Foggett, who owns the centre, said: “Breeding crocodiles in captivity is extremely difficult, which is why this is such good news for us.

“We have another species in the incubator and to be breeding two species this year is just amazing.

“It is a testament to the care they get here and the conditions they are kept in.”

He said London Zoo has expressed an interest in having a group of the babies and the centre would keep the rest.

Crocodiles of the World has 12 different crocodile species and currently has a total of 78 animals.