The L.A. Zoo is home to four species of crocodilians: the American alligator, dwarf caiman, Indian gharial, and tomistoma. The gharial is the only surviving member of a group of animals that arose in the Cretaceous period, about 144–65 million years ago. Now, they are critically endangered, with fewer than 900 mature individuals estimated to remain. Tomistomas are considered vulnerable to extinction as well, due to habitat destruction. Both are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Your visit