Crocodiles are one of the top predators in the wild and are generally regarded as ferocious. But what most people do not know is that these reptiles can also be affectionate, like the two saltwater crocodiles who have lived together for decades in a Florida zoo.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park crocodile zip line manager Scott Brown shared some pictures of the two crocodiles, named Maximo and Sydney, online to show that these aggressive animals can be affectionate too. In a rare moment, Maximo and Sydney displayed their affection to each other publicly when they were photographed cuddling at the zoo.
Crocodiles in Florida Zoo Love Cuddling Each Other: Big, Ferocious Reptile Could Be Much More Affectionate Than Previously Thought
Cuddling Crocodiles in Florida Zoo
Despite being intimidating predators, crocodiles can be affectionate, too. They are intelligent and have highly sophisticated hunting techniques, but they are also capable of forming strong bonds with each other.
In the photos shared online, 50-year-old Maximo, who measures 16 feet long and weighs 1,250 pounds, put his arm around the 250-pound female crocodile. A zoo spokesperson told Newsweek that the two crocodiles are often seen snuggling and cuddling each other. The snap also shows that Sydney is less than half the size of her companion, at only 9 feet long.
Zoo caretakers said Maximo is very gentle with Sydney even though he outweighs her by 1,000 pounds. The two of them lived at a zoo in Cairns, Australia, before moving to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm in 2003. They became part of the breeding program and have produced many babies over the years that zoo staff has affectionately referred to as "Minimos."
The park spokesperson said that saltwater crocodile males could control a large stretch of territories and often breed on multiple females in those territories while keeping other wandering males from entering the said territories.
Unlike the rough and often quick affair that sharks show, saltwater crocodiles tend to display more affectionate breeding habits. Crocodiles blow bubbles underwater and are gentle to one another during mating season. These observations support Maximo and Sydney's loving relationship throughout the years and after having multiple babies.
Crocodiles Are More Affectionate Than Previously Thought
A 2015 study, titled "Play Behavior in Crocodilians" published in the journal Animal Behavior and Condition, reveals that crocodilians form friendships with others and sometimes play by riding on each other's backs.
ZME Science reported that the study discussed the fun-loving side of crocodiles as they play on surf waves, balls, and even have playful interactions with humans. These playful crocodilian interactions are quite complex and involve locomotor play, object play, and social play.
More often, they like to engage in playing with others or with objects than being social. This playful behavior has been observed in the past, although it was not accurately interpreted. There are also instances when crocodiles play with humans. One crocodile became friends with a man who saved him from being shot.
This research suggests that crocodiles may be much more affectionate than previously thought and can even feel affection towards human beings.
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