A Cuban crocodile named Fidel marked his 40th birthday in an unusual way this Wednesday: with a specially prepared beef cake at the Almaty Zoo in Kazakhstan, where he holds the title of the oldest resident.
"Today, the Almaty Zoo is celebrating a special event. The Cuban crocodile Fidel celebrates his 40th birthday," announced the municipality of the former Kazakh capital, as reported by EFE.
The reptile, a specimen of Crocodylus rhombifer, was born in 1986 and arrived at the Almaty Zoo in 2001 from the Riga Zoo in Latvia, where he had lived for several years.
Birthday Celebrations for an Imposing Resident
In light of the celebration, the zoo explained that such a "remarkable birthday guest" couldn't receive a traditional cake. Therefore, his caretakers crafted one from his favorite food, beef.
Measuring nearly four meters in length, Fidel has become a prominent symbol of the zoo. According to park authorities, he enjoys good health, remains active, and is closely monitored by the veterinary team.
Symbolic Names and Feeding Rituals
His name also draws attention, as the crocodile was named after the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro, a detail that piques the curiosity of many visitors.
Like other large crocodiles, Fidel eats just once a week. Every Tuesday, between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon, he receives his meal, a highlight that attracts numerous visitors eager to witness the feeding ritual. The zoo even invited the public to send birthday wishes to the veteran reptile, assuring all messages would be delivered to the honored creature.
The Plight of Cuban Crocodiles
The Cuban crocodile is considered one of the smartest in its family, due to its ability to recognize signals and respond to specific commands, a rare trait among crocodilians.
Beyond the festivities, Fidel's story also sheds light on the precarious situation of his species in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Cuban crocodile as critically endangered, with an estimated wild population of only about 3,000 individuals, primarily located in the Zapata Swamp in Matanzas and the Lanier Swamp on Isla de la Juventud.
Major threats include habitat loss, poaching, and hybridization with the American crocodile, factors that have significantly diminished their numbers. Moreover, the species is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), granting it the highest level of protection against international trade.
Captive Cuban Crocodiles: A Global Interest
This isn't the first time a Cuban crocodile in captivity outside the island has captured attention. In late 2025, the case of Kuzya, another specimen of the same species, surfaced. Kuzya spent three decades living in a plumbing store in Novosibirsk, Russia, until a law prohibiting the keeping of wild animals as pets forced the owner to transfer him to a specialized facility.
Established in 1937, the Almaty Zoo is the oldest in Kazakhstan and boasts Fidel not only as its oldest inhabitant but also as one of its most iconic animals.
Understanding Cuban Crocodiles: Key Facts
What is the significance of Fidel the crocodile's name?
Fidel the crocodile was named in reference to the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro, which often intrigues visitors to the Almaty Zoo.
Why is the Cuban crocodile considered critically endangered?
The Cuban crocodile is critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and hybridization with the American crocodile, leading to a significant decline in their population.
How does the Almaty Zoo celebrate Fidel's birthday?
The Almaty Zoo celebrates Fidel's birthday with a specially prepared beef cake and invites the public to send him birthday wishes.