Third turtle confirmed dead as NT Police identify alleged offenders in Crocosaurus Cove break-in

A pair of young boys have been dealt with by police after allegedly breaking into a Darwin reptile park and killing multiple turtles.

A third turtle has been confirmed dead following the alleged break-in at Crocosaurus Cove in December 2024. Picture: Gera Kazakov

A pair of young boys have been dealt with by police after allegedly breaking into a Darwin reptile park and killing multiple turtles.

Providing an update to the break-in at Crocosaurus Cove, which happened on December 5 last year, NT Police say they have now identified “two boys, aged 11 and 12, as the alleged offenders”.

It was also confirmed that the turtle, which was reported missing after the alleged incident, was also killed.

It brings the total to three dead turtles, with four others left injured.

Detectives from Strike Force Trident allege the two boys unlawfully entered the Mitchell St tourist attraction late at night, before inflicting serious harm on the turtles.

Pig Nosed baby turtles at Crocosaurus Cove.

The pair are now “being dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005 for offences including aggravated cruelty to animals,” an NT Police spokesperson said.

“CCTV footage (is) available but will not be made public at this stage by the NTPF.”

The initial discovery of the attack sparked outrage, with Crocosaurus Cove chief executive Penny Priest describing it as a “devastating incident” that left staff heartbroken.

At the time, the facility vowed to reinforce security and ensure the safety of its animals.

Senior Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard previously condemned the attack, saying “violence and cruelty in all forms has no place in our community.”