The zoo proprietor contacted wildlife officers, and cared for the hatchling until they could collect it. The crocodile was observed to be active and swimming and was found to be in good health following a vet check, which is pleasing given the ordeal that it had suffered, Ms Ball said. A scale was removed from its tail and was sent to our scientists for a DNA test, which should determine if the animal came from the Mount Isa region.
The crocodile has been rehomed.(Queensland DES)
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Ms Ball said the freshwater crocodile has been transferred to the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at Enoggera, where it is currently in quarantine.
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Subscriber only A stolen freshwater crocodile hatchling has been dropped off at a Childers zoo by a member of the public who had second thoughts about keeping the unusual pet. The Department of Environment and Science is appealing for public information after the hatchling, found thousands of kilometres from home, was surrendered to wildlife officers. Senior Wildlife Officer Tina Ball said a member of the public delivered the hatchling to a Childers zoo, believed to Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo, on May 10 and didn t leave any contact details. The zoo proprietor believes The Freshwater crocodile was taken from the wild in the Mt Isa area a few months ago, Ms Ball said.