Wenlock River crocodile shooting $10,000 reward offered by Australia Zoo

A large monetary reward is being offered for information that could lead to prosecution after a crocodile was found shot dead in a Far North river.

A LARGE monetary reward is being offered for information that could lead to prosecution after a protected animal was found shot dead in the Far North.

On August 1, a saltwater crocodile was discovered shot in the Wenlock River in Cape York Peninsula.

In partnership with Crime Stoppers Queensland and Wildlife Warriors, Australia Zoo is offering a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the prosecution of those responsible for this act.

An Australia Zoo spokeswoman said the reward was first offered on September 14, and members of the public could provide information anonymously.

“The sound of gunshots were heard in a nearby vicinity days before this discovery,” she said.

“This partnership is an important step towards further protecting Queensland’s defenceless wild animals from unlawful criminal activity.”

The Department of Environment and Science is investigating the reported offence.

“DES would like to thank Australia Zoo for collecting evidence including photographs and providing them to the department for our investigation,” a DES spokesman said.

“It is an offence under Section 88 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to deliberately harm or kill an estuarine crocodile, with a maximum penalty of $30,026.

“Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact DES on 1300 130 372.”

Originally published as Wenlock River crocodile shooting $10,000 reward offered by Australia Zoo