Body of Lizzie, “Queen of the Daintree River”, found after heinous attack and cowardly gloat

Authorities are potentially on the hunt for a serial croc killer after a man bragged to a local tourism operator about chainsawing the head off one reptile and feeding another to his dogs. Warning: Disturbing images

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Authorities are potentially on the hunt for a serial croc killer after a man bragged to a local tourism operator about chainsawing the head off one reptile and feeding another to his dogs.

A 40-year-old female crocodile, known to locals as “Lizzie”, was found slaughtered on May 18 by Solar Whisper owner David White.

Only her head and spine remained.

Mr White conducts several tours daily of the Daintree River that show the wild crocodiles and educate guests on the true natures of the often maligned animals.

He had known Lizzie, who he referred to as “the queen of the Daintree River”, for 23 years and observed her raise many nests of baby crocodiles.

Lizzie, a 40-year-old female Daintree River crocodile, was found slaughtered on May 18. Picture: David White

Lizzie’s partial remains were left on the river bank beside Mr White’s moored vessel.

After recognising her distinctive freckles on the jaw of the severed head, Mr White knew it was Lizzie and immediately became distraught.

“She was just left on the bank, filleted. All that was left was her head and backbone. She had been illegally shot,” Mr White said.

Mr White often referred to Lizzie as "The queen of the Daintree River", as she had mothered many of the river's baby crocodiles. Picture: David White

“It’s very heartbreaking for me … she had a lot of life to go yet.

“She was found in an area she never goes to nor do crocs frequent as there’s too much activity.

“It was such a coincidence as she was right next to where my boat was tied up.”

After observing her for 23 years, Mr White recognised Lizzie's distinctive markings on the jaw of the severed crocodile head. Picture: David White

Mr White said he was not aware who killed Lizzie but said he received an anonymous call from a man who bragged about killing the mother crocodile.

He said the man also claimed to have killed the Cow Bay crocodile and removed its head with a chainsaw.

The Cow Bay croc was found dead in April.

“He called the business phone from a private number and didn’t give his name. At first I thought it was a croc hater just doing what they do … except he knew exactly where her body was after I tested him on it,” he said.

“He said he’d filleted her … and then fed her to his dogs.

“He said ‘I’m the real apex predator around here’.

Two baby crocodiles hitch a ride on Lizzie's back. Picture: David White

“He said ‘she wasn’t a f****** queen, just a f****** crocodile’, and that I ‘needed to get a life’.”

Mr White reported Lizzie’s dead body to the Department of Environment and Science.

“A crocodile carcass discovered on the banks of the Daintree River is being investigated, with the Department of Environment and Science (DES) fearing the animal was targeted and deliberately killed,” a DES spokesman said.

Mr White had watched Lizzie raise many crocodile nests. Picture: David White

Mr White said more than 1800 messages of support for Lizzie had been posted on his social media pages.

Marilyn Watson said: “This story … has brought me to tears, how can anyone be so inhumane to commit such an atrocity … RIP Lizzie”.

Kellie Harris said: “Just so sad. Rest now dear Lizzie you will never be forgotten”.

Lizzie’s carcass was found along the banks of the Daintree River. Picture: Supplied

Matt Donald said: “The person will be found as those types of people tend to brag to mates … I have faith the person will be caught”.

Kianna Lafferty, owner-operator of Daintree River Cruise Centre, said Lizzie was an adored member of the Daintree River ecosystem and people from around the nation, shocked by the sudden and devastating nature of her death, had phoned in their support.

“It has been very difficult and upsetting to adjust to her absence,” Ms Lafferty said.

“We do not know the circumstances of how she died and until DES undertakes a serious investigation we may never find out.

“We have received phone calls from someone claiming to have killed her and another crocodile, and other calls claiming to know who did.

“While these claims could be true it is also possible that this is just the pathetic actions of a no-hoper looking for a brief moment of online fame.

“It is my hope DES will treat this matter seriously and the public will support them.

“Regardless of what a person’s opinion is on crocodiles, they are a protected species and like all our wildlife should be treated with respect.

“If a human is responsible for these unnecessary and barbaric acts they should be punished to the full extent of the law.”

People are reminded that crocodiles in Queensland are a vulnerable species and are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

The maximum penalty for the deliberate harm or killing of crocodiles in Queensland is $32,243.

Anyone with information about these incidents, or with information about people in possession of crocodile skulls or other body parts, should call 1300 130 372 or contact the Queensland Police Service.

Originally published as Body of Lizzie, “Queen of the Daintree River”, found after heinous attack and cowardly gloat