By reader request, it's World Crocodile Day!

I asked my readers a question yesterday.

I would like to know what they want me to blog about tomorrow. I am very tempted to continue this streak of writing about holidays through World Giraffe Day and National Seashell Day on the Summer Solstice. Tomorrow's choices are World Croc Day, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, and Global Garbage Man Day, all of which have environmental themes, or something environmental not associated with any of tomorrow's special days, like climate change and biodiversity. What do you think?

I got one response on the blog's Facebook page for World Croc Day, so take it away National Day Calendar!

Every year on June 17th, World Croc Day highlights the plight of endangered crocodiles. The day also encourages learning more about these amazing reptiles.
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Crocodiles are easily confused with alligators. There are some differences between the two, however. The primary difference is the shape of their snout. The crocodile’s snout forms a long, pointed V-lie shape. Alligators’ snouts, on the other hand, are more rounded and u-shaped. In addition, crocodiles are usually much larger than alligators. The average alligator weighs about 500 pounds. Crocodiles can reach up to 2,200 pounds! This reptile is also much more aggressive than alligators, which makes them more dangerous.

Crocodiles can be found in nearly every corner of the world. These reptiles are native to both the North and South American continents. They are also found in Africa, Australia, and Asia, but the Florida Everglades is the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators live together.

I double-checked this distribution fact and found it to be true. The only other place it could happen is along the northernmost stretch of the Mexican Gulf Coast, but there appears to be no overlap between American Alligators and Morelet's Crocodiles there.

Back to National Day Calendar.

There are lots more to learn about crocs, too!

• Of all the animals in the world, the crocodile’s bite is the strongest.
• There are 15 different species of crocodiles.
• Crocodiles can live in both freshwater and saltwater.
• They eat fish, birds, and other animals.
• Crocodiles can live to be 100, with the oldest crocodile in the world reaching 140.
• There is a concern that some species of reptiles are on their way to extinction. Human activity is the primary reason for this. Hunting, pollution, and destroyed habitats are a few reasons crocodiles are endangered.

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Every year zoos around the world participate in World Croc Day. The largest event is held at The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. Events at the zoo include “croc talks,” crocodile exhibits, face painting, arts & crafts, cool croc encounters, educational seminars, and photo ops.

I found two videos from United States zoos and animal parks celebrating World Croc(odile) Day and both feature feeding time. The first shows the Memphis Zoo celebrating World Crocodile Day.

To celebrate World Crocodile Day, we are taking you behind-the-scenes on the thrilling feedings of our Nile Crocodiles, including Skebanga, the largest Nile Crocodile in North America. You can see them get fed every Saturday at 12:30 PM in Zambezi!

Seeing the crocodiles lunge out of the water is pretty sensational and demonstrates the animal's power.

Speaking of sensational, Gatorland in Orlando has its own video celebrating WORLD CROC DAY w/LYLE the NILE CROCODILE & OMARGOSHTV!

Today we are celebrating World Croc Day with the biggest Nile Crocodile at Gatorland! Lyle the Nile Crocodile with a little help from our good friends at OmargoshTV! Get ready for some gigantic Nile Crocodile Crunchiness!

One can see the contrast in snout shape between Lyle the Nile Crocodile and the American Aliigators that share his habitat. One can also hear and see the difference in tone between the Memphis Zoo, a public institution dedicated to education and conservation, and Gatorland, a privately owned theme park, which has entertainment at least as high a priority as education and conservation. Still, watching this video made me interested in visiting, which means it's a success.

By the way, Tengrain at Mock, Paper, Scissors is observing what he calls Garbageman Appreciation Day, so at least one other blogger is paying tribute to the day. The United Nations is observing World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. Something for all three international days!

Stay tuned for more holidays beginning with Father's Day and Juneteenth through the Summer Solstice.