Scaly surprise: Crocodile found in Sheraton Port Douglas pool
Thursday March 26 2015, 1:45pm
Holidaymakers at the Sheraton Port Douglas shared space with a reptilian guest when a small crocodile turned up in one of the resort’s swimming pools.
The young saltwater croc, estimated to be slightly under one metre long, was spotted resting in the water against the rocks of one of the pool’s decorative waterfalls.
A pair of tourists saw the croc and snapped pictures of it, assuming it was a water dragon.
Upon getting closer they realised what kind of reptile it really was and warned off nearby holidaymaker Keilley Keegan, who was about to enter the pool with her two-year-old son Kruse on her hip.
Ms Keegan, 23, laughed off the incident and said it added a touch of excitement to the holiday.
“It definitely makes me want to come back up here for another holiday, maybe rent out a villa,” she said.
“I’ve been all over Australia, but I’ve never been up to Far North Queensland and I’ve never seen a wild crocodile - until now.”
Sheraton staff were quickly on the scene, with rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service also on the way to safely remove the croc.
Sheraton general manager Steve Molnar commended his employees for their fast and professional response.
“I’d like to commend the staff because they have reacted very quickly and professionally,” he said.
"Given this unlikely occurrence, the team at the resort will continue to take a positive approach for any future reoccurrence and are working closely with the local community and wildlife experts to preserve the surroundings and comfort of it’s guests.”
Local Wildlife Habitat representatives who happened to be on-site at the time for a site inspection have also commended the resort on the quick action and the staff's thoughtful care for the environment.