78321

Two turtles have been killed and another four injured following a break-in at the Crocosaurus Cove reptile park in Darwin overnight.

Northern Territory Police are appealing for information following the crime at the popular Darwin tourist attraction, indicating that two children, believed to be under the age of 10, were responsible having unlawfully entered the business at about 11.30pm on Wednesday.

They said the children had allegedly killed two turtles and injured four others, while a seventh animal remained unaccounted-for on Thursday.

Northern Territory Senior Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard described the alleged behaviour as "shocking and completely unacceptable.

“Violence and cruelty in all forms has no place in our community.”

A Northern Territory Police spokesperson said detectives had attended the business and identified the point of entry as being over a railing from an adjacent venue, and investigations were ongoing.

Crocosaurus Cove Chief Executive Penny Priest described the break-in and "tragic death of two of our beloved Top End turtles" as "devastating".

In a statement, Priest advised “our dedicated team was heartbroken to discover the extent of the damage this morning.

"The injured animals are currently receiving care from our veterinary team.

"We are relieved to report that, so far, they are responding well to treatment and are expected to make a full recovery."

Priest said the business was actively cooperating with Northern Territory Police while "taking additional measures to reinforce security and support our staff through this distressing period".

She added “we would like to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support and compassion.

"This has been an incredibly difficult time for our team and your kindness has been a source of comfort.

"We are committed to providing the best possible care for our animals and ensuring the safety of our facility."

Northern Territory Police are calling for anyone with information, especially those with CCTV in the area, to contact police or make an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers.

Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin's central business district is one of the city's most high-profile attractions. It is best known for its Cage of Death close-up crocodile encounter experience.

Related Articles

4th December 2024 - Wagga Wagga Zoo enclosure for miniature cattle nears completion

22nd November 2024 - Aussie Ark aims for chlamydia-free wild Koala population

30th October 2024 - Melbourne’s south-east parks suffer from significant tree vandalism

7th August 2024 - Australian Reptile Park and Central Coast Mariners announce community partnership

10th April 2024 - Input invited on new Territory Wildlife Park strategic plan

20th December 2023 - Man charged with murder over alleged stabbing death of co-worker at Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium

22nd May 2023 - Play equipment vandalised in Coffs Harbour

6th February 2023 - Saltwater crocodile escaped and recaptured at Billabong Sanctuary

28th December 2022 - Tourism NT’s social media plays significant role in promoting natural attractions

11th November 2022 - Investigation into lions’ escape at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo finds they squeezed through gap after fence failure

2nd November 2022 - Lions roam free at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo after escaping enclosure

31st July 2020 - Intruder charged after breaking into Sydney Zoo and swimming in aquarium

31st December 2019 - Heroic effort by zookeepers saves Mogo Wildlife Park from devastating bushfires

28th April 2019 - Melbourne Zoo orangutan makes second escape

29th May 2017 - Perth Zoo to assess orangutan security after pair escape

7th June 2016 - Crocosaurus Cove Cage of Death a global phenomena

27th May 2016 - Adelaide Zoo closes after botched robbery of gift shop ATM

5th November 2015 - Fox massacres Melbourne Zoo penguins

22nd November 2014 - Vandals damage Mount Isa Family Fun Park

19th August 2013 - Two of Australian Reptile Park’s 23 stolen reptiles recovered

3rd May 2012 - Tourists fined for Sea World penguin-napping

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.