Teenagers face court accused of breaking into Perth Zoo before taunting and beating 4.5m crocodile
Two teenage boys accused of breaking into Perth Zoo and harming a giant crocodile first taunted the reptile into lunging at them before one allegedly attacked the animal with a metal pole.
Police said the 16 and 17-year-olds forced their way into the zoo about 7.15pm on Sunday, then cut locks to gain access to where the zoo’s only saltwater crocodile, Dangalabba, resides.
In Perth Children’s Court on Tuesday, a police prosecutor said one of the boys used a chocolate milk bottle to bang on the resting reptile’s enclosure, which agitated the animal so much it lunged towards the boys with its jaws open.
One of the teens then daringly jumped from the feeding platform where they were standing into the crocodile’s pen, grabbed a metal pole and used it to hit the animal before walking back as though to provoke a fight.
The same pole was allegedly also used to smash down security cameras before the teen climbed out of the enclosure, the court was told.
The second teenager did not actually enter the crocodile pit, his defence lawyer told the court, but held a torch light throughout the alleged incident.
Both boys are facing two counts of criminal damage or destruction of property, a count of trespass and animal cruelty.
At 4.5m long, Dangalabba is estimated to be aged around 45, and weighs about 400kg. The crocodile is a zoo favourite after he was relocated in 2019 from a crocodile farm in Broome, where he spent several years after being removed form Darwin Harbour amid concerns for public safety.
In a statement, Perth Zoo said the crocodile sustained minor injuries and is being monitored by veterinarians and other staff.
“An immediate inspection confirmed that unauthorised individuals had gained access to the estuarine crocodile habitat. This was a reckless and irresponsible (alleged) act that placed both animal welfare and human safety at significant risk,” the statement read.
“As a result of the incident, the crocodile sustained minor injuries. Our veterinary team and dedicated animal care staff are closely monitoring him and providing any treatment required to support his recovery.
“Any unlawful intrusion into animal habitats places the welfare of our animals, as well as the safety of individuals, at risk.”
One teen was remanded in custody to face court again on Friday, while the other was released on bail into the care of the Department of Communities and is due back in court on October 6.
That boy told media outside court: “I didn’t mean to hurt it.”
