Winter CrocFest Benefits the Cuban Crocodile

Winter CrocFest 2017 took place Saturday, December 9 at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. The fundraising from this event benefits the Cuban crocodile, a critically endangered species.

Destruction of their natural habitat, poaching, and hybridization with the American crocodile are all factors in the decline of the Cuban crocodile.

This CrocFest marks the first ever CrocFest to be hosted at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. An estimated three hundred and fifty people attended, raising over $35,000. The money raised will go towards conservation efforts in Cuba to reintroduce and monitor the Cuban crocodiles to the Zapata Swamp.

The price of admission not only went towards the fundraising efforts, but also included a catered meal from Sonny’s BBQ. The bird and mammal exhibits at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm were also available for viewing, as well as feeding shows for animals like Maximo. Merchandise was sold and auctions were held to also contribute to the fundraising. Auction items that were available included a wide variety of objects such as ZooMed terrariums and a replica of an American crocodile skull.

“It’s been a really fun night, and it’s wonderful to see so many people contributing towards a good cause,” told a keeper at CrocFest.

Crocodile enthusiasts and experts alike ventured out into the cold evening for the event. Of these experts, Toby Ramos was one of them. He is the leading Cuban crocodile expert in the world and continues to make a difference in conservation efforts with projects geared towards breeding and releasing captive Cuban crocodiles back into their natural habitat.

The next CrocFest will take place in 2018. For information on ways to help or more information about CrocFest, visit their website or their Facebook page.

#Animals #StAugustine