Crocodile Adventures

Today we head down the road to Wangetti and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.

First we see the gorgeous, sleepy koalas.

They remind us of a more appealing sloth, sleeping and eating in slow motion. Apparently they contribute nothing to the environment but bring in one billion dollars in tourism!

Next we get to feed the Cassowaries. These amazing endangered rainforest birds help to keep the forest alive through their seed dispersal over large areas.

We fed them big chunks of fruit.

In the bird enclosure we saw kookaburras.

Tawny Frogmouths, my favourite.

Bush Stone Curlews.

Glossy Ibis.

Crested Kite?

And a King Parrot.

Check out this wonderful White lipped tree frog.

And then, the stars of the day. We learnt alot about crocs today. Many of the crocs here have been taken from their natural environment because they've been gobbling up dogs and cows or generally just been seen. Here they are re-homed in natural surroundings and their behaviours are used to teach locals and tourists how to respect them.

We watched the Salties being fed.

And then the Freshies. The 'thwop' noise they make when they snap their jaws is pretty amazing.

Feeding time for Elliot.

And Freddy.

The attack show was an  impressive demonstration of how a croc would grab its prey and then death roll and head shake to break off pieces for eating. Crocs can't chew!

Hagrid doing the death roll.

Next the crocodile farm. Couldn't decide what we thought of this. There's a big demand for belts, bags and meat. Farming means a reduction in illegal poaching and juveniles can be released into the wild to support  a a steady population. Kinda reminnded me of chickens or pigs. Seemed a shame that mosy of these crocs won't able to become proper wild crocs. 

The snake guy gave a fascinating talk on venom. He was really passionate about conservation and respecting wildlife and habitats. 

'What legacy will our children pass onto their children? A lump of concrete and an iPad 67?'

  A really enjoyable day seeing lots of beautiful Australian wildlife being cared for by passionate people.