News from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Diary date Sunday 7th June
Zoo resident clocks up 50 years
One of Paignton Zoo’s quietest residents has clocked up 50 years with the Devon conservation charity – and still has all his own teeth!
Colgate the male dwarf caiman arrived at Paignton Zoo on 7th June 1959, aged around one year old. Mike Bungard, Curator of Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates, said: “He was wild caught during one of the animal collecting expeditions they used to have back then. I think he may qualify as the Zoo’s oldest resident.
“He is quite inquisitive when keepers are around. He’s not particularly aggressive – he is pretty chilled out for a crocodilian! Dwarf caimans are normally quite shy in the wild.”
The smallest living species of crocodilian, the dwarf caiman can grow up to 1.6 metres (over 5 feet) long and comes from the north and central parts of South America. It is semi-aquatic, lying perfectly still in the water for long periods. It has heavy scales on the belly as well as back as added protection. Dwarf caiman can live for between 30 to 60 years.
Dwarf caiman have around 80 short, backward-curving teeth. Appropriately enough considering his name, Colgate still has an impressive set of gnashers. Mike Bungard: “Most crocodilians regenerate teeth as they tend to lose them fairly easily. So he is very toothy and his teeth are in great condition!”
There have been huge changes at Paignton Zoo during his time. Over the last half century the attraction has made the transition from an old-style zoo to a modern environmental park. Colgate lived in the old reptile house before moving to Reptile Tropics when it opened in 2000. He is one of a pair – he has been with the female for 11 years but they have not bred.
ENDS
Further information
Philip Knowling, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park Press Officer, 01803 697568
Telephone: 01803 697568
Fax: 01803 523457
www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
www.livingcoasts.org.uk
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Philip Knowling 01803 697568
