Police charge two teenagers over shocking Perth Zoo crocodile break-in incident
Police attended two properties and took a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old into custody.
A pair of brazen teenagers allegedly broke into a crocodile enclosure at Perth Zoo — before striking a reptile with a metal pole — on Sunday night.
The serious incident led Cannington Detectives to charge a 16 and 17-year-old boy with offences including animal cruelty, trespass, and criminal damage.
The boys were due to appear in Perth Children’s Court on Tuesday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Police allege the teens gained entry to the zoo around 7.15pm by unknown means before cutting the locks to the crocodile enclosure.
Detectives allege the boys then struck a male crocodile — named Dangalabba — with a metal pole.
“CCTV cameras inside the enclosure captured the pair before it is alleged the males damaged both cameras by removing them from the wall,” a spokesperson said.
“The pair then left the enclosure and the zoo, before the matter was reported to police the following morning.”
Police attended properties in Baldivis and Belmont on Monday where the boys were taken into custody.
A Perth Zoo spokesperson said Dangalabba the crocodile “sustained minor injuries” in the alleged attack.
The croc is estimated to be aged around 45, measures more than four metres long and weighs about 400kg.
“Perth Zoo staff discovered that the back-of-house areas of the crocodile exhibits had been unlawfully entered on Sunday evening,” the spokesperson said.
“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.
“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.”
Perth Zoo said they were “deeply disappointed” by the alleged attack.
“Any unlawful intrusion into animal habitats places the welfare of our animals, as well as the safety of individuals, at risk.”
“Perth Zoo has a range of security measures in place across the site including physical security controls, surveillance systems and after-hours monitoring and is reviewing the incident.
“We will continue to support WA Police and remain focused on the ongoing care and wellbeing of the animal involved.
The estuarine crocodile became 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.
