The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has appealed for public help to find out why a freshwater crocodile hatchling was found thousands of kilometres from home when it was surrendered to wildlife officers.
Senior Wildlife Officer at the DES, Tina Ball said a member of the public delivered the hatchling to a Childers zoo on Monday 10 May 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.
“It’s believed the person who dropped it off was travelling to the Sunshine Coast and was going to release it in a waterway as they didn’t want it anymore.”
She said the zoo proprietor called wildlife officers about the crocodile and he was also able to provide care for the animal until wildlife officers collected 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.”
Ms Ball said the freshwater crocodile had been transferred to the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at Enoggera, where it was currently in quarantine.
“Unfortunately, the freshwater crocodile cannot be released to the wild because we’re not sure if it was exposed to any other animals, which could potentially have exposed it to disease,” she said.
“The crocodile now has a new home at the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and it will be put on display to help educate the public about the illegal trade of wildlife.”
Ms Ball said it was cruel and potentially fatal when any native animal was removed from the wild and transported in a box or cage over long distances.
“The usual range for freshwater crocodiles in Queensland is the Cape York region, the Townsville region and the Burdekin region, so this freshie is a long way from home,” she said.
“It is unlawful to take native animals from the wild or keep them without permits.”
Ms Ball said people who had concerns about the illegal trade of native wildlife should phone wildlife officers on 1300 130 372.
