Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Teens Charged After Breaking Into Perth Zoo and Striking Crocodile

Perth Zoo says the incident revealed major security gaps, prompting a police investigation plus an internal site security review.

Perth zoo’s saltwater crocodile Dangalabba was subject to the boys’ alleged attack.
The Perth Zoo crocodile enclosure.
A crocodile has allegedly been attacked at Perth Zoo.
Two teens have been charged after a croc was allegedly taunted and struck with a pole during an after-hours break-in at Perth Zoo.

Overview

  • Two teenage boys allegedly cut locks to enter the saltwater crocodile enclosure about 7:15pm on Sunday and were captured on CCTV before removing cameras.
  • Court reporting says one teen agitated the animal by banging a bottle on the enclosure, the crocodile lunged, and the other teen jumped into the pen and struck it with a metal pole while the second held a torch.
  • WA Police located the 16- and 17-year-olds at separate homes in Baldivis and Belmont, charged them with criminal damage, trespass and animal cruelty, and took them before Perth Children’s Court where one was remanded and the other released on bail.
  • Perth Zoo confirmed the crocodile, Dangalabba — about 4–4.5 metres long, roughly 400kg and aged around 45 years — suffered minor injuries and is being treated and closely monitored by the zoo’s veterinary team.
  • The breach has prompted a security review at the zoo and a continuing police probe, which could lead to tighter after-hours controls and renewed scrutiny of juvenile offending and captive-animal protections.