Scarborough man successfully breeds two crocodiles at home during lockdown

Jordan Woodhead, 26, from Scarborough has always been fascinated with reptlies since being a child, he already has six species of crocodilian, including crocodiles, alligators and caiman.

He said: “I was fortunate enough last year to hatch out two baby Spectacled Caiman and witness them hatch out of their eggs. It was an incredible experience.

Jordan keeps his reptiles in dedicated heated buildings that he has designed and built himself and has heated pools for the larger crocodiles.

He was granted his dangerous wild animal licence when he turned 18 and hatching the crocodiles is just the next step on his journey.

Jordan said : “My aim is to expand and build the UK’s first dedicated reptile zoo. A zoo where people can come and see hundreds of species of reptiles, everything from tiny chameleons and turtles to giant tortoises, Saltwater Crocodiles and Komodo Dragons.

“I am currently going through the process to attain a full zoo licence. I have managed to acquire a small piece of land and have started building enclosures.

“Covid delayed my plans slightly but I’m still working away every day to get the zoo built. I’m also very fortunate that I have a growing team of volunteers who dedicate their time to looking after the animals and who are helping to build the zoo.”

As well as looking after his own reptiles Jordan is an Aquarist at the Sealife Centre in Scarborough, where he has worked for six years looking after the animals there.

If you would like to find out how the baby Caiman are doing, and to get updates and information about the other reptiles in the zoo you can follow Jordan’s facebook page by following the link HERE.