Two teenagers have been charged after allegedly breaking into Perth Zoo and taking on a gigantic saltwater crocodile while armed with a metal pole.
The boys, aged 16 and 17, are accused of entering the zoo at about 7.15pm on Sunday before cutting the locks to the crocodile enclosure, home to a 46-year-old reptile named Dangalabba, which weighs 400kg and is about 4.5 metres long.
A police prosecutor told Perth Children’s Court on Tuesday that one of the boys stood on a feeding platform and banged on the enclosure with a bottle of chocolate milk, enraging the beast, which lunged towards them and tried to bite them.
One teen then jumped into the pen, grabbed the pole, and allegedly hit the crocodile with it before walking backwards as if to provoke a fight, The West Australian reported.
He then allegedly smashed security cameras with the pole and climbed out, while the other teenager, who did not enter the crocodile pit, illuminated the enclosure with a torch.
The pair were also caught on CCTV riding staff bikes around the zoo after the incident.
Both teenagers, who cannot be identified due to their ages, have been charged with two counts of criminal damage or destruction of property, and one count each of trespass and animal cruelty.
One was remanded in custody to face court again on Friday, while the other was granted bail. When questioned by reporters outside court, he said “we never meant to hurt it”, 10 News reported.
He was released into the care of the Department of Communities and will face court again on October 6.
WA Police Minister Reece Whitby said he was astounded that the teenagers would “take on a croc”.
“They are very lucky that they haven’t been severely injured or have lost their life, this could have been an absolute tragedy,” he said.
Perth Zoo said the crocodile was being monitored by veterinarians after suffering “minor injuries”.
“Animal welfare underpins everything we do at Perth Zoo, and we are deeply disappointed by this incident,” a spokesperson said.
“Any unlawful intrusion into animal habitats places the welfare of our animals, as well as the safety of individuals, at risk.”
Header image: Left, one of the teens leaving court (10 News). Right, Dangalabba the saltwater crocodile (Perth Zoo).
