One of the world’s largest crocodiles sinks his teeth into
his first feed following three months of winter hibernation at WILD LIFE Sydney
Zoo
Sydney
– 3 October, 2012 – WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo today carried
out a feed for the attraction’s most terrifying resident, a 700kg crocodile
called Rex, who demolished an extra-large serving of beef ribs to celebrate his
first bite after emerging from three months of winter fasting.
Expertly
coordinated by WILD LIFE Sydney’s Reptiles Keeper, Jason Hainke, the feed was
conducted behind a specially-constructed gate which keeps the staff completely
safe from Rex’s hungry jaws. After months of hibernation, Rex, who is one of
the world’s largest crocodiles, emerged from hibernation and aggressively
chowed down on his first meal in three months.
“Throughout
winter, it is common for crocodiles to enter a period of inactivity where they
survive on their existing energy stores inside their body. Once the weather
starts warming up, so does their appetite – to indicate their need to replenish
their energy,” said Jason.
Rex,
who has been a resident of WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo since 2009, was a so-called
‘rogue’ crocodile who was captured and placed into a crocodile farm near Darwin
in the Northern Territory when his taste for local pet dogs drew him too close
to the human population.
“Rex,
who is also referred to as nature’s ultimate killing machine, lives on his own
for one simple reason – he doesn’t want to live with other crocodiles. We know
this because at his previous home in Darwin, he ate two of his co-habitants,”
Jason said.
Rex’s
first feed at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo marks the return of the talks and feeds that
will take place in the Kakadu Gorge exhibit every Monday, Wednesday and Friday,
where visitors can witness firsthand the 700kg beautiful beast with jaws that
can crush a pig’s head with one bite indulging in his daily meal.
Where: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour (next
door to Sydney Aquarium)
Opening Hours: Open 9am – 6pm daily. From 7 October 2012 – closing time is
8pm with last admissions at 7pm
Cost: Best price guaranteed online at www.wild-life.com.au
with up to 50% discount. For the
best value, combine WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo with a pick and mix of your other
favourite Sydney attractions including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Madame
Tussauds, Sydney Tower Eye and Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary. The more you see, the
more you save.
