Fate of 5m toothless ‘icon’ croc captured near Babinda decided

A battle-scarred and toothless 5m “icon” croc captured near a popular Far North swimming hole could have gone without food for 12 months, it has been revealed.

IT HAS been revealed the battle-scarred and toothless 5 metre “icon” croc captured near a popular Babinda swimming hole could have gone without food for 12 months before being snared by rangers.

Following the a nimal’s capture in September the croc was found to be underweight and in poor condition.

An abnormal bulge on the right side of its abdomen prevented it from submerging.

A 5 metre "icon" saltwater crocodile has been trapped at a popular swimming hole near Babinda in September has been put down.

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Wildlife officers and local vets performed an examination of the animal’s internal organs and digestive system using x-ray imaging and an endoscope.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said results of the examination revealed a severe intestinal blockage and possible rupture, which would have prevented the animal from processing food for the previous 12 months.

The croc has been put down by the Department of Environment and Science after it was found the animal was suffering from a severe intestinal blockage. Picture: PETER CARRUTHERS

“Due to the severe and chronic nature of the crocodile’s condition, its estimated age of 75+ years and the knowledge that large crocodiles do not respond well to major surgery, a decision was made to humanely euthanise the animal,” the spokesman said.

“Wildlife officers and vets then conducted a necropsy, which confirmed the initial prognosis.”

When the croc was first captured it was hoped the animal would be rehomed – after consultation with Traditional Owners – at a registered wildlife park or zoo in accordance with the animal’s icon status.

Meanwhile the Mulgrave River croc population appears to be thriving after a 2.5m animal was captured on video by Alex Wardrop swimming under Peets Bridge at Goldsborough Valley early this morning.

Having lived in the area her whole life, she said never had she seen a croc at the bridge before.

Ms Wardrop said the sighting served as a reminder to stay out of the water.

“A lot of people take their dogs down there so people need to be a bit cautious so you don’t get your dog or your kids taken,” she said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report crocodile sightings as soon as possible by calling 1300 130 372.

The Department of Environment and Science investigates all reports it receives.

Originally published as Fate of 5m toothless ‘icon’ croc captured near Babinda decided