Australia Zoo crocs join Port Douglas' newest attraction
COMMUNITY
Three of the planet's deadliest predators will be making a splash at the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, as part of their new CrocArena with its “Swim with the Salties” experience.
In the coming weeks, the snappy new arrivals will be making their way to Wildlife Habitat from the Irwin’s world-famous Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast.
The new CrocArena will showcase these prehistoric new arrivals in a tropical oasis with large, clear water lagoon pools shaded by established trees.
Wildlife Habitat General Manager Clare Anderson said she was eager to meet the new crocodiles - but from a safe distance, of course.
“Crocodiles are both fearsome and fascinating, and each of them have a lot of attitude and personality that will excite our guests,” Ms Anderson said.
Meet the new crocs on the block, who will be making Port Douglas home.
“Big Al” was caught by QPWS in the Eubenangee Swamp, and weighs in at 350kg and 4.3m in length. He has a distinct scarred snout from a historic injury.
“Digger” was caught by QPWS near Karumba in 2005. He weighs in at 300kg and is said to move incredibly fast for his huge size.
“Ton” is the baby of the group at just under 3.5 metres. He has been with Australia Zoo since 2003 and is sure to amaze audiences with his tail walks.
With their welfare a priority, the crocodiles will be transported nearly 2000km from Australia Zoo in the safety of a climate-controlled vehicle.
Ms Anderson said the process needed to be planned to precision to transport the animals here quickly and safely, whilst keeping them as comfortable as possible.
“It will take a team of professionals on an around-the-clock schedule to continuously transport these surprisingly sensitive creatures - you have to be prepared and careful, but everyone's trained, and know what they have to do,” said Ms Anderson.
The new CrocArena at Wildlife Habitat will be home to Queensland’s first “Swim with the Salties” experience, which is expected to significantly scale up tourism to the region.