Adelaide pet shops snapping up Northern Territory crocs

Simon Hampel · 11 Feb 2009

AdelaideNow... Adelaide pet shops snapping up Northern Territory crocs

CROCODILES bred in the Territory are being sold through specialised pet shops in Adelaide to eager members of the public.

The crocs, supplied by Darwin's Crocodylus Park, are flown down south in specially designed PVC piping containers with air holes and a wooden base.

Crocodylus Park chief scientist Charlie Manolis said one or two hatchlings were sold interstate each month.

"We sell them mostly to individuals and pet stores in South Australia and Victoria due to legal requirements for permits," he said.

Each state has different regulations which limit the ability for a prospective croc customer.

In the Territory, residents in urban areas can only own the reptiles until they reach 60cm.

In contrast, owners in South Australia can look after their leathery friends irrespective of size after an inspection by the Environment and Heritage Department.

Gavin Foreman, owner of pet store Scales and Tails in Adelaide, regularly orders crocs from Crocodylus Park and says they're becoming more popular.

"I've been breeding and selling freshwater crocodiles for 13 years," he said.

"I used to keep four or five in the store's showroom but now I order them in on demand due to space limitations."
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ZYBen · 11 Feb 2009

I know of many people in Adelaide who keeps crocs. they are relitivley cheap too, around $450 for a 30cm freshie.
I wouldnt mind one, but we use our pool too much

snowleopard · 11 Feb 2009

I visited Darwin's Crocodylus Park in 2007, and I believe that they have about 8,000 crocs there. There is enough scaly guys to send all over Australia, but I'm not sure people realize how large some of them grow up to be. Even the freshies can attain a decent length and unless folks have swimming pools the crocs would certainly outgrow a bathtub!

ZYBen · 11 Feb 2009

i beleive you have to have a pond or have somone to take on the croc when it gets to a size, i am not granted for Crocodiles so am unsure of the requirements, i will make some enquiries when i am back in SA.

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Adelaide pet shops snapping up Northern Territory crocs

Simon Hampel Administrator Staff Member 20+ year member

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Adelaide pet shops snapping up Northern Territory crocs

Simon Hampel Administrator Staff Member 20+ year member

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snowleopard Well-Known Member 15+ year member Premium Member

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