Two teenagers charged after breaking into Perth Zoo and injuring a crocodile
Police arrested two teens for trespassing at Perth Zoo, where they entered a crocodile enclosure and struck the animal with a metal pole.
Late Sunday evening, two adolescents aged 16 and 17 managed to breach the back-of-house perimeter at Perth Zoo and force open the enclosure housing a 46-year-old saltwater crocodile named Dangalabba. Using a metal pole, they struck the 400-kilogram reptile, an incident recorded by security cameras that the teens later took down. The zoo expressed deep disappointment, noting the reckless act endangered both the animal and public safety, and confirmed the crocodile sustained minor injuries that are being monitored by veterinary staff.
WA Police were notified the following morning and promptly arrested the suspects, who hail from Baldivis and Belmont. They have been charged with criminal damage, trespassing and animal cruelty and are scheduled to appear in Perth Children’s Court on Tuesday.
Why it matters
The case highlights security gaps at public attractions and raises concerns about youth vandalism and animal welfare.
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