Overview
- Australian Reptile Park manager Billy Collett located and caught the freshwater crocodile late Sunday in Ironbark Creek at Wallsend after an initial failed search.
- NSW Police and the SES assisted by setting a perimeter to protect the public and contain the animal, and police are appealing for information about its origin.
- Experts consider the reptile likely an escaped or deliberately released pet, as crocodiles are not native to New South Wales.
- The crocodile was transported to the Australian Reptile Park, where vets reported it in great health and staff are working on a permanent placement.
- Rescuers urged residents to keep away after crowds hampered efforts, noting the cooler southern climate could have been fatal without intervention.