Rare Gavial Sighted in Mississippi River

A rare Gavial, one of the world's largest crocodilian species, was sighted Wednesday in the middle of the Mississippi River.

The sighting was made by passengers on a riverboat cruise and was captured on video. The Gavial was estimated to be about 17 feet long.

Gavials are native to southern Asia and feed mainly on fish. They are considered endangered due to hunting and loss of habitat.

This is only the second sighting of a Gavial in the United States, the first being in Louisiana in 2006.

Baby Gavial Born at Cincinnati Zoo

A baby gavial was born at the Cincinnati Zoo this week. The new arrival is a welcome addition to the zoo's crocodile and gavial breeding program, which is working to help ensure the future of these endangered animals.

The baby gavial, whose sex is not yet known, was born on Monday, February 5. Zoo officials say that the youngster is healthy and doing well.

Gavials are native to Southeast Asia and Australasia, where they are threatened by habitat loss and hunting. There are only around 2,500 gavials left in the wild, so it is important to protect and preserve these animals.

The Cincinnati Zoo is one of only a handful of zoos in North America with gavials on display, so the birth of this new baby is an important event. It will be interesting to watch as the youngster grows and begins to explore its new home at the zoo.

Gavial Makes a Splash at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The Gavial, a long-nosed crocodilian, is making a splash at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.Native to the rivers of Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia, this shy and retiring creature is usually found basking in the sun or swimming leisurely through the water.

At the Safari Park, guests can view the Gavial up close in the attraction's Crocodile Creek exhibit. The creek is home to other animals including monitor lizards and turtles as well as a variety of fish.

The Gavial has a hinged jaw that helps it catch its prey. Unlike other crocodilians which have teeth that line the entire length of their mouths, the Gavial has just four or five Jurassic-era-looking teeth on each side of its jaw which it uses to snatch up unsuspecting fish.

Despite its imposing size (adults can reach up to 17 feet in length), this crocodilian is considered vulnerable in the wild due to hunting for its skin and meat and loss of habitat. Guests at the Safari Park can help support conservation efforts by learning more about these creatures and the importance of preserving their natural habitats.

Gaviota (Gavial) Found Dead on California Coast

A nearly 15-foot-long gaviota (gavial) was found dead on the coast of California last month, sparking intrigue among locals and scientists alike. The fish, which is a close relative of the crocodile and can weigh up to 400 pounds, is the first of its kind to be found in the state's waters.

While the cause of death is still unknown, some experts speculate that the creature may have been stranded after becoming lost while swimming in open water. Others suggest that it may have been killed by a human or animal predator.

Gaviota (gavials) are typically found in warm climates near rivers and lakes, but they are known to occasionally venture into coastal waters. The discovery of one this far north is therefore quite unusual, and scientists are anxious to study its body in order to learn more about its habits and physiology.

Texas Man Hooks Monster Gavial from the Sabine River

A Texas man, who wishes to remain anonymous, hooked a monster gavial from the Sabine River. The man, who is an avid outdoorsman and fisherman, was reeling in a large catfish when he felt a much stronger tug on his line. "It was like fighting a freight train," he recalls. After a lengthy battle, he reeled in the nearly 10-foot-long gavial.

Gavials are shy creatures that typically avoid humans. However, this particular gavial was very aggressive and attempted to bite the man several times. "I've never seen anything like it," he said. "It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime catch."

Gavials are members of the crocodilian family and are found in Asia and Africa. They are the largest living member of the family and can grow up to 17 feet long. They are considered a vulnerable species due to deforestation and hunting.

This particular gavial was released back into the Sabine River unharmed.