New Species Welcomed at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium in Las Vegas
Four female Johnston’s Crocodiles are the newest additions to Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The freshwater siblings are native to Australia and are commonly referred to as “freshies.”
The sisters debuted to the public on September 11 and are on display in the jungle portion of the facility as guests first enter the attraction. The freshies, on loan to Shark Reef Aquarium from the San Diego Zoo, are 14 years old, four feet in length and weigh 30-35 pounds each.
Johnston’s Crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni) are found in the wild in the tropical regions of northern Australia in freshwater lakes, rivers and wetlands. The aquatic predators reach an average size of approximately six feet in length and 32 pounds. Their long, slender snout is well-suited to a fish-based diet.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is among the most prestigious animal facilities in the world and is the first and only Nevada institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). More than 2,000 animals are displayed at Shark Reef Aquarium, featuring 100 species, including 15 species of sharks. Shark Reef is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit mandalaybay.com, call (702) 632-4555.