Singapore Zoo celebrates reptile baby boom, including hatchings of endangered species

SINGAPORE – The Singapore Zoo welcomed nearly 20 young reptiles between April and June, including the first successful hatchings of the Philippine crocodile and painted terrapin, both critically endangered species.

The other new additions are three Chinese leopard geckos and 13 western gaboon vipers.

In a media release on July 17, Mandai Wildlife Group said these breeding milestones support efforts within the international zoo community to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations under human care.

Mr Luke Harding, curator of animal care operations, said: “Behind each successful hatching is a journey of perseverance, trial and careful planning. Many of these species are notoriously difficult to breed in human care. That’s why seeing them thrive is incredibly rewarding and meaningful for us.”

As at June, the Singapore Zoo is home to about 80 reptile species, more than half of which are threatened. Across Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which has five wildlife parks, there are over 100 reptile species.

Opened in 2017, RepTopia houses reptiles and amphibians from four geographical zones and features a viewing gallery that gives visitors a peek into its working hatchery.

The Philippine crocodile hatchling is the result of a careful breeding programme involving a pair named Reginald and Delilah, which arrived from National Aquarium Denmark in 2022. This species is notoriously difficult to breed due to its aggressive nature, especially during mating season.

To encourage pairing, the zoo relocated the 11-year-olds to a newly designed habitat with visual barriers, varied terrain, and a pond with adjustable dividers. Improved heating and lighting helped regulate the crocodiles’ body temperatures and hormone levels.

Delilah was soon observed nesting, and keepers artificially incubated the eggs to increase their chances of survival. Two eggs were fertile.

After weeks of monitoring and candling – a process using light to check development – one female successfully hatched on June 10. She has since started feeding on small fish and crickets, and is growing well in an off-exhibit area.

Another breakthrough came on April 29 with the hatching of two painted terrapins, also critically endangered.

The zoo’s herpetology team had worked for nearly a decade to create the right conditions, relocating the adults to a new habitat with better basking spots, secluded nesting areas, and a diet rich in leafy greens. The hatchlings, both female, are now feeding on bok choy and sweet potato leaves.

Both the Philippine crocodile and painted terrapin are listed as Asap species, animals identified by the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s Asian Species Action Partnership as requiring urgent conservation attention. The programme is hosted by Mandai Nature, the conservation arm of Mandai Wildlife Group.

RepTopia also recorded its first successful hatching of Chinese leopard geckos, with three eggs producing healthy hatchlings on May 27, June 24 and June 25. The eggs were incubated at temperatures between 23 deg C and 26 deg C.

The geckos, now active and feeding, sport dark bodies with white bands and bright orange eyes.

On May 12, the zoo welcomed 13 western gaboon vipers – the first such births in about 10 years. To encourage breeding, the team simulated seasonal changes using a misting schedule and reduced the female’s feeding frequency.

The species gives birth to live young, known as ovoviviparity, and this clutch included five males and eight females. The snakes, venomous from birth, have the longest fangs of any venomous species.

“These hatchings provide valuable opportunities for research and knowledge sharing,” said Mr Harding. “They deepen our understanding of species care and support collaborative breeding efforts among zoos globally.”

The successes follow a record year for Mandai parks in 2024,

which saw close to 1,000 animal births across 143 species

, including 34 that are threatened. Among them were golden mantella frogs and poison dart frogs, both bred in carefully controlled environments.

More hatchlings may be on the way. Eggs from New Caledonia giant geckos and the critically endangered Annam leaf turtle, with fewer than 50 left in the wild, are currently being incubated.