Who:  The Racine Zoo
What: Provides care for three crocodiles and one turtle
When: Monday, May 17, 2010
Where: Racine Zoo campus, Vanishing Kingdom historic main building, in off-exhibit quarantine

Details:

An 8 foot-long African slender-snouted crocodile, a 5½ foot long West African dwarf crocodile and another 5½ foot long crocodile of undeterminable species, came to the Racine Zoo late yesterday. A 175-pound alligator snapping turtle is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. The Zoo is providing temporary housing and care for the animals. At the Zoo indefinitely, they will not be on exhibit.

The animals were taken into custody as part of an investigation by Milwaukee Police from a home and a warehouse in South Milwaukee, Thursday, May 13. Racine Zoo officials were called to assist in the identification and collection of approximately 250 snakes, crocodiles, turtles, alligators, and caimans. 

As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Racine Zoo stands ready to provide for its community.  While zoos are best known for offering enjoyment and education to their constituents, the experience, expertise and husbandry a zoo can make available when needed are further ways a zoo provides for its public.

The Racine Zoo is open daily.  Current hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fees are: Members and children under 3: FREE, children 3 – 15: $4.00, seniors $5.00 and adults $6.00. For more information on the Racine Zoo, its programs and events, explore www.racinezoo.org.