Overview
- Australia Zoo confirmed the roughly 1,600–2,000km transfer from a Cairns holding facility to its Sunshine Coast site over the weekend.
- Wildlife officers removed Old Faithful on 8 September after reports he was being fed by people, which authorities say led to escalating unsafe behaviour.
- The environment department says it assessed multiple rehoming options and chose Australia Zoo as best suited for his size and significance under icon-crocodile rules.
- Traditional owners say they were not consulted and, alongside advocacy group CROC, are seeking the animal’s return and a formal statement of reasons, alleging the move was fast-tracked.
- A smaller crocodile captured at the same time was relocated to a far north Queensland crocodile farm, which Australia Zoo says it sought to avoid for Old Faithful.