Tears fall for old crocodile who has moved to Melbourne

The owner of Koorana Crocodile Farm had to say a tough goodbye to Pinjarra the crocodile, which is off to a new life at the Melbourne Aquarium.

Pinjarra the crocodile Photo: Contributed

SENSITIVE and caring is the way John Lever has described one of his oldest crocodiles.  

The owner of Koorana Crocodile Farm had to say a tough goodbye to Pinjarra the crocodile, which is off to a new life at the Melbourne Aquarium.  

John caught the massive five-metre croc 27 years ago on a 300-acre cattle station in Ingham.  

"He was landlocked after coming inland during a flood; and he ate one of the farmer's cows," John explained.  

John decided to give him the name Pinjarra, which is the Aboriginal word for 'place of soft grass and smooth water'.   Pinjarra, which is around 50 years old, is settling into his new Melbourne home after being driven down by John last week.  

"He was sedated so he slept most of the way.  

"He's such a big animal and a magnificent enclosure has been built for him in Melbourne," John said.  

The 750kg croc was sold to the aquarium due to breeding reasons.  

John said Pinjarra's 'girls' had stopped laying eggs.  

Originally published as Tears fall for old crocodile who has moved to Melbourne