Will Smith feeds a crocodile at Featherdale Wildlife Park
Hollywood heavyweight Will Smith has enjoyed a trip out west to feed a crocodile and cuddle a baby wombat in a special “hands-on” tour of Featherdale Wildlife Park.
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Hollywood superstar Will Smith has travelled to Sydney’s west to feed a crocodile at Featherdale Wildlife Park on Monday.
The film star is in Sydney promoting his new Netflix film Bright and reportedly had not been to a zoo in a decade.
“From what I understand, he basically saw some of the stuff on social media from Zookeeper Chad and Featherdale’s Facebook page,” Director of Life Sciences Chad Staples said.
“They got in contact with us because he wanted a hands-on Australian wildlife experience.”
Smith, flanked by his security escort and film crew, visited various enclosures including the koalas, kangaroos, snakes and lizards, but feeding a crocodile was a highlight.
“They were here for close to two hours,” Mr Staples said.
“Will fed the crocodile. He met snakes and lizards, koalas and kangaroos. He did everything a normal tourist would do.”
While he came with his film crew and security detail, Mr Staples described the 49-year-old actor as a “very accommodating” and “very cool guy”.
“He was almost exactly like you hoped he would be,” Mr Staples said.
“He’s a really cool guy. I think he appreciated how Featherdale allows you to interact with the animals. He was able to really immerse himself in the wildlife.”
While the staff of western Sydney’s famous zoo knew a celebrity was coming, they did not know who until Monday morning.
Smith was more than willing to pose for photos and sign autographs with patrons who happened to be visiting the park at the same time.
“I love when things like this happen,” Mr Staples said. “You’re opened up to a new audience — people you didn’t think knew about Featherdale.
“This is the biggest collection of Australian animals anywhere in the world and he’s sort of put his name to it.”
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