The Fort Worth Zoo welcomed two gharial crocodile hatchlings, a critically endangered reptile.

The zoo, located in Texas, is the only North American institute to successfully hatch multiple of the crocodile species' offsping, stated its press release.

The zoo welcomed the hatchlings on June 16 and on June 22, and is the result of "product of more than a decade of dedicated effort to successfully reproduce this species, grow the population and diversify the gene pool."

The critters, which can fit in a purse or a very deep pocket, are just over 12 inches, but males can grow up to between 16 to 20 feet long and females can be 11.5 to 15 feet long, according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

The animals have long, toothy snouts and brown body with black splotches all over their backs and it lays eggs that are 6 ounces, the largest of any crocodilian species.

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Critically endangered

Over 1,500 gharials live in the wild in India and Nepal, according to National Geographic.

The Crocodiles, which are native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan, almost became extinct in the 1970s, according to the Smithsonian. Then, the crocodiles were classified critically endangered in hopes of reducing the number lost to poaching.

However, despite its new classification, it's population decreased by 58% between 1997 and 2006. So, conservationist began to focus on preserving the croc's habitat and educating local people.

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz

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