Animal Guide

Gharial

9 destinations · 6 states

Native Range: Northern Indian subcontinent

The gharial is one of those animals that looks almost unreal when you see it up close. Its extremely long, narrow snout is unlike the broad jaws of most crocodilians, and adult males develop a rounded growth on the end of the nose called a ghara. Watch one underwater and that unusual shape makes sense. The slender jaws are well suited to catching fish, with rows of interlocking teeth that help grip slippery prey. Gharials can remain surprisingly still in the water, then make a quick sideways movement to catch a passing fish. On land, their long bodies and relatively weak legs make them much less agile, so they spend much of their time in or close to rivers. Young gharials have broader diets, but adults become increasingly specialized fish hunters. Their natural range is now limited to parts of the Indian subcontinent, where they depend on clean, flowing rivers with suitable nesting and basking areas. A close view of a gharial is especially rewarding because the strange-looking snout, narrow head, and rows of teeth reveal just how specialized this river-dwelling crocodilian has become.

Gharial

Where to see Gharial

9 destinations across 6 states

9 destinations

Bronx Zoo

Bronx, NY

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Cleveland, OH

Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth, TX

Honolulu Zoo

Honolulu, HI

Los Angeles Zoo

Los Angeles, CA

San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio, TX

San Diego Zoo

San Diego, CA

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

St. Augustine, FL

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Tampa, FL

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