Animal Diaries Archive

Croc boys share the message of conservation

29 September 2006

Here at Australia Zoo, the Crocodile Department takes great pride in sharing the message of crocodile conservation with our visitors. Now although we deliver the message in our awesome croc shows, we also take the time to bring out some of our cute little friends to meet the world. If you have been lucky enough to catch us walking through the park with one of our juvenile or baby alligators you will know just how amazing these little guys are. Some people are even lucky enough to experience our 'Animal Extravaganza', where you get to meet all types of crazy little critters in your very own private encounter. The croc team love nothing more than bringing one of our four-year-old alligators to these encounters to say hello.

Surprising to some is the placid and calm nature of these little fellas even when surrounded by numerous people. Being conditioned to handling and always in the Zoo spotlight has helped make our little alligators one of the highly fascinating animals within the Animal Extravaganzas, because let's be honest, it’s not every day you get to pat or even hold a baby alligator, is it?

The best thing to come out of these experiences is that people tend to face their fears and actually come face-to-face with one of the world’s most dangerous creatures and they come out alive and smiling. So keep an eye out when you're walking around the Zoo, because the croc boys and their extended family could very well be right around the next corner…