Dubai Crocodile Park - in pictures

  • Dubai Crocodile Park in Mushrif Park opened a short while ago and its 250-strong reptile population is already a hit with visitors. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dubai Crocodile Park in Mushrif Park opened a short while ago and its 250-strong reptile population is already a hit with visitors. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The 250 crocodiles at the park include 40 recent hatchlings
    The 250 crocodiles at the park include 40 recent hatchlings
  • Marc Gansuana, crocodile specialist and curator, keeps a close eye on curator Tarryn Abrahams as she cleans algae in the tank
    Marc Gansuana, crocodile specialist and curator, keeps a close eye on curator Tarryn Abrahams as she cleans algae in the tank
  • Feeding time at the park
    Feeding time at the park
  • Four-month-old crocodiles under a heat lamp
    Four-month-old crocodiles under a heat lamp
  • Nile crocodiles are one of the largest and most aggressive of their kind
    Nile crocodiles are one of the largest and most aggressive of their kind
  • Hatchlings being given a health check
    Hatchlings being given a health check
  • Dubai Crocodile Park opened to the public in April
    Dubai Crocodile Park opened to the public in April
  • A display at Dubai Crocodile Park
    A display at Dubai Crocodile Park
  • Dubai Crocodile Park covers 20,000 square metres and houses a natural history museum, a themed aquarium and outdoor landscaped areas
    Dubai Crocodile Park covers 20,000 square metres and houses a natural history museum, a themed aquarium and outdoor landscaped areas
  • Exhibit curator Tarryn Abrahams cleans algae in the tank
    Exhibit curator Tarryn Abrahams cleans algae in the tank
  • A visitor taking pictures at the park
    A visitor taking pictures at the park
  • The semi-aquatic reptiles at the park are Nile crocodiles, which are native to freshwater habitats in Africa
    The semi-aquatic reptiles at the park are Nile crocodiles, which are native to freshwater habitats in Africa
  • Nile crocodiles can reach a maximum length of about six metres and can weigh up to 600kg
    Nile crocodiles can reach a maximum length of about six metres and can weigh up to 600kg
  • Crocodile keeper Notice Ncube gathers eggs from a nest
    Crocodile keeper Notice Ncube gathers eggs from a nest
  • Feeding time at Dubai Crocodile Park
    Feeding time at Dubai Crocodile Park
  • Crocodile specialist Gansuana shows young visitor Elsie a crocodile egg
    Crocodile specialist Gansuana shows young visitor Elsie a crocodile egg
  • Newly laid crocodile eggs
    Newly laid crocodile eggs
  • A crocodile nest at the park
    A crocodile nest at the park
  • Six-year-old Nile crocodiles lazing in the park
    Six-year-old Nile crocodiles lazing in the park
  • Tarryn Abrahams prepares to clean a tank
    Tarryn Abrahams prepares to clean a tank
  • Eggs from a clutch of 52 gathered from a nest
    Eggs from a clutch of 52 gathered from a nest
  • Equipment being cleaned after feeding time
    Equipment being cleaned after feeding time
  • Chief curator Marc Gansuana with head keeper Allen Banana at Dubai Crocodile Park
    Chief curator Marc Gansuana with head keeper Allen Banana at Dubai Crocodile Park
  • Of the 250 crocodiles at the park, 150 are adults
    Of the 250 crocodiles at the park, 150 are adults
  • Visitors can watch the animals feeding at the park four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday, at 5.30pm
    Visitors can watch the animals feeding at the park four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday, at 5.30pm
  • Head keeper Allen Banana feeding the animals
    Head keeper Allen Banana feeding the animals
  • A visitor at the park
    A visitor at the park
  • Food being prepared for the crocodiles
    Food being prepared for the crocodiles
  • The park is also home to a natural history museum
    The park is also home to a natural history museum
  • Dubai Crocodile Park's temperature-controlled water will ensure the attraction is open throughout the summer
    Dubai Crocodile Park's temperature-controlled water will ensure the attraction is open throughout the summer