A female 2.9 meter, 93.22 Kg false gharial (Tomistoma schleqeli) was presented to the Animal Health Center of the New York Zoological Park for treatment of lacerations sustained during mating. Routine radiographs were performed to determine if eggs were evident in the reproductive tract, Metal densities resembling coins were observed in the gastrointestinal tract and a heavy metal screen was performed on a venous blood sample extracted from the tail vein. The blood lead level was 147 ug/dl. A survey of crocodilians in the collection as well as samples from wild individuals was performed (Table 1). Results of the 25 animals sampled revealed elevated levels in three individuals, though none of these crocodilians had signs referable to lead toxicosis as it is described in mammalian and avian species. These animals were all permanent members of the zoo's collection. All other individuals, including wild animals sampled had low blood lead levels. Factors shared by these three not shared by others were evaluated. Dietary intake amongst these three differed in that they were all fed wild caught urban dwelling piqeons. Etiologies including environmental and dietary factors will be discussed.

Table 1. Blood Lead Values in Crocodilians

¹  Tomistorna schlegelii

²  Alligator sinensis

³  Caiman c. crocodilus

⁴  Caiman c. yacare

⁵  Paleosuchus trigonatus

⁶  Paleosuchus palpebaosus

⁷  Crocodylus rhombifer

⁸  Alliqator mississippiensis