Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
A male and female gharial crocodiles have arrived at the Moskvarium Center for Oceanography and Marine Biology at VDNKh. Visitors to the aquarium now have the opportunity to learn more about these rare animals. Only about 2,500 individuals of this species remain in the wild, and their numbers are steadily declining. To observe the Moskvarium's new arrivals, please visit enclosure #35, located in the central part of the exhibit. A ticket is required to enter the aquarium.
Gharial crocodiles have a long, narrow mouth with numerous small, needle-like teeth. They are one of the rarest species on the planet. They are listed as "endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Special programs for the care and breeding of these rare reptiles in captivity have been developed and implemented worldwide, with the goal of preserving and increasing the gharial population.
One of Moskvarium's key missions is to protect endangered or Red List species. Therefore, the capital's aquarium will make every effort to preserve gharial crocodiles and raise awareness of this issue among its visitors.
The new inhabitants of the Moskvarium are young animals around three years old. Specialists have created the most comfortable conditions for them, as close to their natural habitat as possible.
The reptiles are housed in a spacious enclosure with a pool. To ensure their well-being, the water's hydrochemical balance is optimal and the air temperature is maintained at a constant 27 degrees Celsius. The enclosure also features two heated coastal areas, earthen beds, and shelters. A UV lamp is also installed, essential for the crocodiles' normal functioning. The reptiles are fed a balanced diet of fish and chicken.
Gharial crocodiles have undergone a fascinating evolutionary journey, adapting to several habitats during their development. Their distant ancestors first lived on land, then became marine inhabitants. Modern representatives of the species live exclusively in freshwater.
Today, these amazing crocodiles can be found in Southeast Asia: on the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and the Malay Peninsula. They prefer calm waters and areas densely covered with aquatic vegetation: freshwater swamps, rivers, and lakes. These reptiles are primarily active at night, hunting by stalking their prey.
Gharial crocodiles feed on a variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals, including fish, reptiles, and arthropods.
The Moskvarium Center for Oceanography and Marine Biology celebrated its 10th anniversary this August. It is one of the largest oceanariums in Europe. Its unique exhibition features 600 species and 12,000 inhabitants. More than 80 aquariums feature rare, protected, and endangered species, including Amazonian arapaimas, shark rays, seahorses, sturgeons, hawksbill turtles, and over 10 species of sharks. The largest inhabitants are cetaceans and pinnipeds, while the smallest are invertebrates native to cold seas and coral reefs.
Visitors to the Moskvarium can not only explore the main exhibition but also participate in a variety of cultural and leisure activities, including interactive exhibitions, unique water shows, lectures in the knowledge center, and performances in the children's theater. The aquarium's top priority is the well-being of its inhabitants. A team of qualified specialists ensures professional care and attention.
Moskvarium actively collaborates with leading research institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences—the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, the M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, and the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography. Thanks to the combined efforts of the scientific community, rare aquatic species are being preserved.
VDNKh is one of the capital's main attractions. It is a major international exhibition center, a museum city, and a modern venue for education and recreation for residents and tourists. It hosts numerous important cultural, scientific, and economic events, attended by tens of thousands of people. The exhibition grounds cover more than 325 hectares.
Get the latest news quickly on official Moscow messaging channels. Max AndTelegram.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.