Electrocuted Critically Endangered Cuban Crocodile Housed at Smithsonian Dies, Pen Closed Indefinitely

A 10-year-old male Cuban crocodile at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) of the Smithsonian Institution passed away from what is believed to have been an electrocution in its indoor habitat.

He was a result of a breeding program for the critically endangered species at NZCBI, where he was hatched in 2012. The cause of death will be verified in the final pathology report.

Electric Curiosity

The dead Cuban crocodile was found in its enclosure by Reptile Discovery Center staff members early on December 17. The crocodile attacked the habitat's electrical infrastructure after being drawn to a replacement electrical outlet, according to staff deductions.

The original outlet was lower than the new one, which was elevated by about 4.5 feet. Crocodiles are notorious for their aggressive behavior, and this one tore the electrical equipment off the wall and bit pieces off.

Staff members check the integrity of the exhibits daily as part of routine facility safety procedures. At closing on December 16, the habitat underwent its final inspection. The electrical circuit was in good condition, and no cause for alarm was found. The animal had been residing in this habitat for several years without any problems. In 2018, the exhibit was found to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Moving Forward

The Zoo will keep looking into what happened. To avoid a repeat incident, the Zoo is immediately installing backup electrical breakers throughout the structure. There are no immediate plans to house an animal in the enclosure.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Cuban crocodile as critically endangered due to its small range. According to the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute of the Smithsonian Institution, there are reportedly about 3,000 purebred Cuban crocodiles left in the wild.

Cuban Crocodiles

The Zapata Swamp and the Isle of Youth are the only two swamp habitats in Cuba where the medium-sized Cuban crocodile can be found. Males can grow up to 11.4 feet in length, though occasionally larger individuals have been noted. With stocky legs that allow for confident and quick terrestrial locomotion, it is quite adept on land. Although these crocodiles are frequently thought of as aggressive when kept in captivity, their proximity to their keepers, strong feeding instincts, and intense curiosity can make them dangerous to keep in captivity. The species is capable of swimming extremely fast and galloping on land.

Habitat and Diet. This species is now restricted to two comparatively small areas in Cuba, having disappeared from the majority of its former range. Its primary habitat, a 360 km² area in the Zapata Swamp, is where it is most commonly found. A 35 km² area makes up the Lanier Swamp on the Isle of Youth at the moment. The smallest range of any crocodilian species is still in existence. Since wild Cuban crocodiles haven't been spotted in the Lanier Swamp in over a decade, efforts to protect and boost the population there are crucial. Turtles, fish, and mammals are all common prey items for Cuban crocodiles.

Conservation. According to recent reports, the Cuban crocodile population is beginning to recover; its size in the Zapata swamp is estimated to be around 3,000 to 6,000 individuals.

Despite recent improvements, the species is still very vulnerable. Hunting and hybridization, particularly with the American crocodile, pose the two main threats. To ensure that both existing populations are well protected, proactive measures are being taken. According to Crocodiles of the World, creating an alternative wild population is a crucial conservation priority.