Crocodilians
Crocodilians
Forests
ABout Crocodilians

See you later, alligator. After a while, crocodile.

Now Open! Take a trip to the Zoo to see these remarkable reptiles at our new exhibit, Alligators & Crocodiles: The Fight to Survive presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

Revered for their unmatched strength and respected for their tenacity, alligators and crocodiles are among the most impressive reptiles on the planet!

Not only are these some of the largest living reptile species, they’re also among the oldest. Crocodilians originated more than 200 million years ago. With their scaly, armored bodies, sharp teeth and massive tails, they resemble the dinosaur relatives they outlived.

But how will you tell our closely related reptile species apart? The answer is right on the nose! Crocodiles have a long, narrow snout while alligators sport a broad, shovel-shaped snout.

Who’s at the Zoo

American alligator and Orinoco crocodile

Forest stamp
FACTS & COUNTERS
BiomeFactIcons
Average Size
10-16 feet
200-800 pounds
BiomeFactIcons
Native Region
Southeastern U.S. down to South America
BiomeFactIcons
Eating Habits
Fish, turtles, small mammals, frogs, birds and smaller reptiles
BiomeFactIcons
CONSERVATION STATUS
Orinoco crocodiles are critically endangered
Distinguishing Characteristics

Alligators have broad, u-shaped snouts. Also, their bottom teeth fit neatly into upper jaw sockets, so only an alligator’s top teeth show with closed jaws.

Did You Know?

American alligators are the largest reptile native to the U.S. Once on the brink of extinction, courageous conservation efforts has brought this species roaring back.

Alligators are the most cold-tolerant of the crocodilians and can be found in our heated outdoor pool year-round!

Distinguishing Characteristics

A crocodile has a snout that's long and narrow. They also show off all their fierce teeth when their jaws are closed.

Did You Know?

Found in rivers in a small part of South America, Orinoco crocodiles are among the largest predators on the continent. The species is critically endangered due to habitat loss and pollution. You can support Orinoco crocodile conservation by participating in our 2021 Round Up for Conservation at our Gift Shop.

Forest stamp
Come see for yourself.

Look no further. Connect with our amazing animals and learn about the wild places they come from.

Where are they at the Zoo?
Alligators & Crocodiles: The Fight to Survive is located on the Zoo's west side, near the Plains entrance.
View Map View Forests
Forests News
Learn more about our Forests animals
Caring for Animals in Cold Weather
Caring for Animals in Cold Weather

When winter weather settles into Indiana, there’s still lots of opportunities to get outdoors and explore at the Indianapolis Zoo.

New Roos Coming in 2022
New Roos Coming in 2022

Published Oct. 16, 2021 Our furry family will welcome several new roo-mates next year! Opening summer 2022, Kangaroo Crossing presented...

Marvel at Amazing Alligators and Crocodiles
Marvel at Amazing Alligators and Crocodiles

Published May 28, 2021 Don’t miss your chance to encounter a cold-blooded marvel! (And be startled by those eyes —...

Beautiful Birds Join Forests Flock
Beautiful Birds Join Forests Flock

Published May 24, 2021 There are two newcomers to our flock of Forests birds! Bald eagle Lincoln and golden eagle...

Newcomer in Tiger Forest
Newcomer in Tiger Forest

Published May 14, 2021 There is a new cat that visitors can see prowling through the trees of the Indianapolis...

Round Up for Conservation 2021
Round Up for Conservation 2021

Published March 15, 2021 Your extra change has the power to make a big difference for conservation. Through the Zoo’s...

Celebrating forests and the species and people who rely on them
Celebrating forests and the species and people who rely on them

Published March 3, 2021 Forests cover nearly a third of the Earth’s land surface and are central to sustaining life. In Indiana, Hoosier...

Animal Magnetism and Relationships
Animal Magnetism and Relationships

Published Feb. 12, 2021 Boxes of chocolates, bouquets of flowers, heart-shaped cards — expressions of love and romance are what Valentine’s...

Welcome a Baby Gibbon
Welcome a Baby Gibbon

Our first Zoo baby of the new year just arrived in Forests! A white-handed gibbon named Kavi was born in the...

Meet the Zookeepers — Nick O’Hare
Meet the Zookeepers — Nick O’Hare

As one of the largest animals on this continent, the polar bear is an awe-inspiring species. For Nick O’Hare, the...