Perth Zoo Crocodile Enjoys His First Meal After Winter

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 22, 2020 3:50 pm

Dangalabba the saltwater crocodile in his pool at Perth Zoo

Photo Credit: Alex Cearns/ Perth Zoo

Dangalabba the saltwater crocodile has awaken from his winter slumber to enjoy a feed at Perth Zoo. Naturally the world’s largest living reptile will eat little to no food over the winter months.

For his feed this time around he enjoyed some fishy treats.

Dangalabba is a four metre (13ft) long saltwater crocodile who previously lived at a crocodile farm in Broome for many years after being removed from Darwin Harbor due to concerns around public safety.

He made the move to Perth Zoo in 2019 where he is living in a large pool which is heated for comfort.

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Like most reptiles the activity levels of crocodiles will drop during winter. This is an effort to conserve their energy. It often leads guests at Perth Zoo to question whether he is real.

During his feed though there was no questions about whether he was real. Dangalabba launched from the water up to 1.5m (4.9ft) to ambush the prey item provided. Currently he is getting used to his enclosure and keepers expect that once he does his feeding behavior will become more impressive.

Dangalabba is currently estimated to be between 37 and 42 years of age which is considered the prime of his life for these reptiles which may live for up to 100 years.

His name comes from the word for ‘crocodile’ in the language of the Larrakia people, the traditional owners of the land and waters around Darwin, his original hatching place.