Crocodiles trained to recognise their names

A pair of dwarf crocodiles can recognise their own names after training, a Cheshire aquarium claims.

The tiny reptiles, called Paleo and Suchus, are even learning when they are allowed to open their mouths, the Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port says.

The programme has been successful with mammals but it is one of the first times it will be used on reptiles.



Manager Tom Cornwall said: "They are very intelligent and started responding to their names in just a few days."

In a bid to train them, the crocodiles, which are called Cuvier's dwarf caiman, are given food as a prize if they react in the right way.

The programme is based on a similar scheme which is in operation at the famous Madras Crocodile Bank Trust in India. (I've been there. Loads of times.)