Opening of new underwater crocodile exhibit at Perth Zoo

13/4/98

A new underwater crocodile exhibit featuring a 600kg salt water crocodile was opened at the Perth Zoo today by Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes.

Mrs Edwardes said the exhibit formed part of the Australian Wetlands Exhibit and housed both estuarine and freshwater crocodiles.

The Minister said the new exhibit would prove a popular attraction with visitors who would be able to view the crocodiles through a 4.6m underwater viewing window.

"Estuarine crocodiles seem to have the unenviable distinction of being among Australia's most feared and loathed animals," she said.

"This exhibit gives visitors a rare opportunity to appreciate this amazing predator and its habitat without the risks associated with being in crocodile country."

Mrs Edwardes said the star attraction of the new exhibit would be 'Simmo', the zoo's adult estuarine male crocodile, who weighed in at 600kg and measured 4.2m.

'Simmo' arrived at Perth Zoo from Darwin just over a week ago.

The animal can bask in the exhibit or swim freely in the heated pool behind the water-tight 32mm thick Armourglass window, which allows above and underwater viewing.

Four freshwater or Johnston crocodiles from Malcolm Douglas's Broome Crocodile Farm have a separate exhibit adjacent to the Estuarine Crocodile Exhibit.

"Perth Zoo is recognised for its conservation and breeding programs with Rothschild's Giraffe, Western Swamp Tortoise, numbat and chuditch, to name a few," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Thankfully, conservation measures for crocodiles have worked and the zoo does not have to establish a crocodile breeding program.

"However, Perth Zoo has the equally important task of educating the community about our wildlife and changing community attitudes toward preserving it.

"By being able to view this remarkably big crocodile and his smaller freshwater cousins above or below the water, we are better able to understand them and their habitat, while appreciating them for the marvellous species they are."

Media contacts: Ministerial - Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777

Zoo - Ian Williams 9474 0383