Crocodiles are extraordinary survivors. They have been around since the age of the dinosaurs, and their bodies have barely changed in millions of years. That means what we call a 'crocodile design' works so well for living in rivers that nature has kept it almost exactly the same. Their long, flat bodies, armoured skin, and powerful tails make them perfectly built for water.
Despite looking slow on land, crocodiles can burst into a short sprint and are extremely fast swimmers. Their eyes and nostrils sit on top of their heads so they can float almost completely underwater, with only a tiny sliver visible above the surface — almost invisible to fish swimming past.
Female Nile crocodiles are surprisingly caring mothers. They lay their eggs in a sandy nest on the riverbank and guard them carefully for about three months. When the eggs are ready to hatch, the babies call out from inside the shell. The mother hears them, digs the nest open, and gently carries the tiny hatchlings down to the water in her huge mouth.