Expert zookeeper Billy Collett injured during cranky croc Elvis’ dental exam

A monster croc’s toothache led to one of the world’s riskiest dentist appointments and injured his expert keeper. Watch the video.

Australia’s crankiest croc – and a former Northern Territory menace – dealt his veteran handler a head injury during a recent health check.

Elvis became one of the Australian Reptile Park’s most popular animals after he was pulled from Darwin Harbour in 2007 after wreaking havoc on fishos’ boats.

But the almost 5m saltie dazed crocodile expert and ARP operations manager Billy Collett during a violent outburst in the midst of a dental exam.

Mr Collett said the croc had a dental infection and x-rays indicated the problematic tooth needed to be removed.

Billy Collett (seventh from the right, closest to croc’s head) and his team restrain Elvis – Australia's crankiest croc – for a health check and dental exam. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

A 5kg chock is fitted in Elvis’ mouth. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

After he and his team pinned the giant croc, a heavy wooden ‘chock’ was fitted between Elvis’ jaws.

But when the croc began thrashing, the 5kg chock came loose and struck Mr Collett in the head.

“I had a pretty decent bump on my head after, but surely that’s the best-case scenario when you’re dealing with a half-ton croc,” he said.

Elvis begins thrashing. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

Elvis thrashes and the chock comes loose and hits Mr Collett. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

Mr Collett said the incident lasted only 15 seconds but “felt like an eternity”.

He said he immediately got his team to safety when he realised what had happened.

“At first, I didn’t even know what had hit me – I was stunned,” he said.

“I’ve captured hundreds of large crocodiles over the years, but I have never felt anything like the power Elvis displayed when he started thrashing like that.

“I didn’t comprehend what had hit me in the head until I opened my eyes and saw that his jaws were unrestrained.”

Billy Collett holds a tooth extracted from Elvis. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

Australian Reptile Park operations manager and croc expert Billy Collett restrain Elvis – Australia's crankiest croc – for a health check and dental exam. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

After additional muscle relaxants were given to the angry croc, the team was able to successfully prep the monster reptile for surgery and extract his sore tooth.

“While examining him, we conducted a thorough health check, including a blood sample and assessment of scales, hands, feet, and overall body condition,” Mr Collett said.

“[The vet] confirmed he looks a million bucks.

“It was an intense situation for our staff, but Elvis’s recovery will be swift.

“I anticipate he’ll be ready to feast on a large meal by the weekend.”

Originally published as Expert zookeeper Billy Collett injured during cranky croc Elvis’ dental exam