Loose Crocodile Caught After Two Day Search
“We spent two days searching in tough conditions and at one point we thought we might have lost it. When Brandon picked up the eye shine with the torch, we knew it was our moment. I jumped straight in. Our priority was making sure the community was safe and that the crocodile was secured properly and humanely.” - Billy Collett, Park Manager
What began as reports from members of the public quickly escalated into a high-stakes, multi-day search operation led by Park Manager Billy Collett.
The crocodile had been spotted in murky water beneath a popular walking track, prompting immediate action to ensure community safety and the welfare of the animal.
A Challenging Two Days on the Water
For over 48 hours, the team navigated low visibility, difficult terrain and multiple capture attempts. At one stage, hopes of locating the crocodile were fading. Until late Sunday night, the breakthrough moment finally came.
Zookeeper Brandon Gifford spotted the tell-tale eye shine of the crocodile in the beam of his torch, nearly three kilometres upstream from the original sighting. Within seconds, Billy Collett leapt from the boat into the creek to secure the animal, while zookeeper Logan Graff expertly manoeuvred the vessel into position to maintain stability during the capture.
The operation was completed safely and humanely, with no injuries to the team or the crocodile.
Dramatic footage of Billy’s leap and the moment the crocodile was secured has now been released for the first time.
Health Check and Next Steps
Following the capture, the crocodile was transported to the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast, where it underwent a full veterinary assessment. Our veterinary team has given the animal a clean bill of health.
Billy Collett, who has worked with crocodiles for more than 20 years, described the operation as one of the more challenging captures of his career.
Keeper Brandon Gifford said spotting the crocodile was a huge relief for the team.
“After nearly 48 hours on the water, when I saw that eye shine in the torch beam, I knew we had one shot at getting it right. Everyone stayed calm and worked as a team. It was an incredible moment to see it secured safely.”
The team says they are exhausted but relieved.
“We’re tired, but ultimately happy that this little croc is safe, healthy and no longer in an environment it simply wouldn’t have survived in.”
Not Native to NSW
The animal has been identified as a juvenile freshwater crocodile, a species native to northern Australia. Freshwater crocodiles are typically found in rivers, billabongs and wetlands across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, not New South Wales.
The species would not survive the colder winter conditions in NSW waterways, making the rescue critical for the animal’s welfare.
Although there were reports of two additional crocodiles over the weekend, no further confirmed sightings have been recorded since Sunday night.
A Reminder to the Community
The Australian Reptile Park reminds the public to report unusual wildlife sightings to authorities and never approach wild animals.
Crocodiles are not native to New South Wales waterways, and the illegal movement or release of wildlife can have serious consequences for both public safety and animal welfare. Responsible ownership and prompt reporting are critical to protecting Australia’s unique wildlife and ecosystems.
The Park is now working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the crocodile is placed in a suitable permanent home.