Teen Boys Charged Over Bizarre Crocodile Attack at Perth Zoo

Two teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, have appeared in a Perth court after allegedly breaking into an enclosure at Perth Zoo and attacking a 400 kilogram crocodile with a metal pole.

The incident occurred on Sunday around 7:15pm, when the boys entered the zoo in South Perth and cut the locks to the enclosure — home to a 4.2-metre-long saltwater crocodile named Dangalagabba.

According to the prosecutor, the boys broke the lock to the building which houses the freshwater crocodile, but it was unclear what happened inside as there were no cameras.

The court heard they then entered the saltwater crocodile area and banged on the wall of the enclosure, agitating the crocodile which lunged toward them.

The boys then noticed a camera on the wall, covered their faces and removed the camera. The prosecutor said one of the boys then entered the enclosure and hit the crocodile with a metal pole, before noticing another camera and knocking it to the ground.

The court heard the other boy held a torch while this happened. Both of the boys were later seen on CCTV riding staff pushbikes around the zoo.

The magistrate described the charges as "serious" and "unique". Each boy has been charged with two counts of criminal damage or destruction of property, one count of trespass and one count of animal cruelty.

One of the boys was granted bail and is due to appear in court again on October 6. The other boy was remanded in custody until a bail application hearing on September 18.

When approached by reporters outside court, one of the boys said "we never meant to hurt it".

A Perth Zoo spokesperson said staff discovered the back-of-house areas of the crocodile exhibits had been unlawfully entered on Monday morning.

The spokesperson said the reptile in the saltwater crocodile habitat sustained "minor injuries" as a result of the incident, and a veterinary team was closely monitoring the animal and providing any treatment required.

"Animal welfare underpins everything we do at Perth Zoo, and we are deeply disappointed by this incident," the spokesperson said.

"Any unlawful intrusion into animal habitats places the welfare of our animals, as well as the safety of individuals, at risk."

WA Police Minister Reece Whitby said he could not believe anyone would "take on a croc".

"They are very lucky that they haven't been severely injured or have lost their life, this could have been an absolute tragedy," he said.

In an email to members, Perth Zoo said the injured saltwater crocodile was recovering well.

"Evidence gathered during the investigation indicates that Dangalabba sustained minor superficial injuries as a result of the unlawful intrusion into his habitat. Importantly, Dangalabba is okay," the email read.

"While we are relieved that his injuries are not serious, this was a reckless and completely unacceptable act that caused harm to an animal and could very easily have resulted in tragic consequences."