Płock Zoo Celebrates. A “Living Symbol” Celebrates Its Birthday: Marta is 95

"One of the most famous residents of Płock, the Mississippi alligator, is turning 95. On this occasion, like every year, the zoo is throwing her a birthday party. We invite you to visit and wish the distinguished birthday girl," the zoo announced on Tuesday.

The garden's senior has been celebrating since February

The zoo's staff reported that the alligator received its first gift in February 2025, when it was decided to modernize the huge terrarium. The aim of this procedure was to provide the animal with additional amenities and to display it in the enclosure.

This time it will be a special meeting, because Marta is turning 95. She is the oldest animal among the living inhabitants of gardens in Europe – said Magda Kowalkowska from the Płock Zoo.

Płock Zoo is preparing an unforgettable event

An unforgettable happening has been planned for Marta the alligator's 95th birthday. The party will start on May 17 at 11 a.m. in the herpetarium pavilion. The employees reveal that in addition to entertainment and art workshops, they are planning "crocodile competitions."

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There will also be stories about the history of the alligator. According to the animal's caretakers, Marta was hatched in 1930 in the now-defunct Reptile Jungle in Slidell, USA. She arrived at the Płock Zoo on August 19, 1960, together with the male Pedro, thanks to Tadeusz Wągrowski, an engineer living in the United States.

Zoo workers tried many times to provide Marta with a life partner, but she rejected her "concubines". Ultimately, it was decided that the reptile preferred to lead a solitary life, which was respected.

Alligator is a movie star. She starred in a cult production

It is not without reason that the employees of the Płock Zoo call the alligator "our senior and star". In 1970, Marta had the opportunity to play the role of the crocodile Herman in "Hydrozagadka" directed by Andrzej Kondratiuk.

When we talk about it, we always mention the anecdote that during filming there was a moment of fear that Marta would choose freedom and stay in the waters of the Reservoir. Fortunately, everything ended well, because she probably would not have survived the winter cold - recalled Kowalkowska.

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