Our Crew
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Xiao
- Came to Santa Barbara in July 2021 from San Diego Zoo
- Is female, and was hatched at the Bronx Zoo on August 12, 1987
- Likes to spend time in the pool
Conservation Status
The Chinese alligator is the only member of the eight species in the Alligatoridae family to exist outside of the Americas. Native to slow-moving freshwater and marshland areas along the Yangtze River in China, today it is limited to the lower Yangtze, primarily in the Anhui and Zhejiang provinces in eastern China.
With less than 100 individuals currently in the wild, the Chinese alligator is widely regarded as the most endangered crocodilian in the world: it is ranked as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Fortunately, about 100 Chinese alligators are managed under the Species Survival Program in AZA-accredited zoos, including the Santa Barbara Zoo.
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Species Survival Plans
The Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the 220+ accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in Species Survival Plans (SSP), a cooperatively managed program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). More than 200 different species are managed through SSPs, aimed at maintaining genetic diversity within AZA populations, sustaining these populations, and guarding against extinction.
Wildlife Experiences
Meet the Animals
Have you always wanted to get just a little bit closer to the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo? Well, you can! Take a look at our animal encounters, and choose the best option for you and/or your family.