Biography
Native to northern and central South America, the Cuvier's dwarf caiman is the smallest member of the crocodilian family. Females average four feet in length, while males may reach six feet. Bony plates called osteoderms are under the back and belly scales, providing protection from most predators. Even with this rigid body armor, caimans are sometimes prey for jaguars and anacondas. A secretive and nocturnal hunter, the caiman is an ambush predator that uses stealth and camouflage to surprise its prey. When young, their diet consists of small invertebrates and amphibians, but switches to larger vertebrate species as they get older. Communication between caimans includes a combination of sounds, smells, and postures, such as head-slapping and jaw-clapping at the water's surface. The Cuvier's dwarf caiman is a strong swimmer and inhabits clear, fast-moving freshwater streams. The caiman's unique adaptations, including its tolerance for cooler water and the ability to travel over land, allow it to thrive in a variety of forested wetlands. They rarely bask and can usually be found under overhanging branches. When temperatures rise, they retreat to small burrows along the river bank.
Our Animal's Story
Ori arrived at ZooAmerica on September 19, 2025, from another AZA accredited facility in Texas. She hatched on September 26, 2001. She is 3.7 feet long and weighs a little over 21 pounds.
