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The horrifying details of how two foster boys allegedly broke into Perth Zoo and taunted a large saltwater crocodile have been revealed in court, including how they narrowly avoided being bitten in the after-hours escapade.
The teenagers, aged 16 and 17, allegedly broke into the zoo on Sunday night, around 7.15pm, and cut the locks to the saltwater crocodile enclosure.
It’s claimed one of the boys shone his phone torch at crocodile, Dangalabba, leading the reptile to lunge at the pair as if to bite them.
The pair allegedly continued to agitate the 400 kilogram, 4.5 metre-long crocodile and “appeared to fight it” before hitting it on the head with a metal pole.
In an email to visitors, Perth Zoo said Dangalabba sustained minor superficial injuries as a result of the intrusion.
“While we are relieved that his injuries are not serious, this was a reckless and completely unacceptable act that caused harm to an animal and could very easily have resulted in tragic consequences,” the email read.
“These habitats are not places for trespassing or stunts. The actions of those involved showed a complete disregard for animal welfare, personal safety, and the dedicated teams who care for our animals every day.”
During the teenagers’ appearance in Perth Children’s Court on Tuesday, the court was told the children were under the care of the Department of Communities, and had lengthy criminal histories. One of them was on bail for aggravated robbery and burglary at the time of the zoo incident.
“When they noticed the CCTV camera [inside the crocodile enclosure] they tried to hide their faces,” prosecutors told the court, before alleging they then ripped the camera off the wall, destroying it.
An hour later the boys were seen on other cameras taking two staff push-bikes and riding around the zoo.
WA Police were notified about the break-in the following morning, and arrested the pair a short time later.
The boys, from Baldivis and Belmont, were charged with criminal damage, trespassing and animal cruelty.
One of the boys was granted bail into the care of the Department of Communities, while the younger boy was remanded in custody while a home detention report is prepared for the court.
Perth Zoo said the teens broke into the estuarine crocodile habitat through the “back-of-house” areas.
“This was a reckless and irresponsible act that placed both animal welfare and human safety at significant risk,” a Perth Zoo spokesperson said.
“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.
“Animal welfare underpins everything we do at Perth Zoo, and we are deeply disappointed by this incident.”
Zoo security is reviewing how the incident occurred.
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