Birth of baby crocs surprise, delight zoo

Two rare Cuban crocodiles are first born at the National Zoo since 1988.

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In this photo taken July 19, 2012, Barbara Watkins, an animal keeper in the Reptile Discovery Center of the National Zoo, holds a five-day-old Cuban crocodile hatchling in Washington. Two hatchlings were born from 26 eggs laid by Dorothy, the zoo's Cuban crocodile who is believed to be about 55 years old.

Jacquelyn Martin / AP

Matt Evans, supervisory biologist at the National Zoo's Reptile Discovery Center, holds a 13-day-old Cuban crocodile hatchling in Washington. The two Cuban crocodile hatchlings are the first to be born at the zoo since 1988.

Jacquelyn Martin / AP

The 13-day-old Cuban crocodile hatchling shows off its feisty nature. There are only about 4,000 Cuban crocodiles left in the wild and births at zoos are very rare.

Jacquelyn Martin / AP

This five-day-old Cuban crocodile hatchling shows the colorful markings common to Cuban crocodiles. Zookeepers don't yet know if the crocodiles are males or females. They are being fed crickets.

Jacquelyn Martin / AP

Matt Evans, supervisory biologist at the National Zoo's Reptile Discovery Center, holds a 13-day-old Cuban crocodile hatchling in Washington. There are believed to be only about 4,000 Cuban crocodiles left in the wild.

Jacquelyn Martin / AP

Proud mama. Dorothy, who is about 55 years old, became a mom for the first time in July when two of the 26 eggs she laid hatched. The birth of Cuban crocodiles in captivity is rare. It's the first time in 24 years Cuban crocodiles have been born at the National Zoo.

Jacquelyn Martin / AP

A 13-day-old Cuban crocodile hatchling reacts aggressively when approached at the National Zoo's Reptile Discovery Center in Washington. Cuban crocodiles have bright coloring and strong personalities. One or both of the crocodile hatchlings may go on display in coming months at the National Zoo's reptile house.

Jacquelyn Martin / AP

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Birth of baby crocs surprise, delight zoo

Two rare Cuban crocodiles are first born at the National Zoo since 1988.

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