Elvis the Crocodile Tucks Into Invasive Carp After Huge Community Fishing Effort
Australia’s crankiest crocodile has enjoyed a very special meal at the Australian Reptile Park, with Elvis tucking into invasive carp donated through Central Coast Council’s 2026 Carp to Croc fishing event.
The annual community event has wrapped up with a strong result for local waterways, with 150 participants removing 456 European carp from across the Central Coast. That is a major jump from last year’s total of 298 carp.
European carp are one of Australia’s most damaging invasive species. They can reduce water quality, stir up sediment and push out native species, making their removal an important part of protecting local waterways.
Carp to Croc gives the community a hands-on way to help. Instead of the catch going to waste, many of the carp were donated to the Australian Reptile Park via BCF Tuggerah, where they will become food for the Park’s crocodiles and alligators.
To celebrate the end of the event, Central Coast Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna visited the Australian Reptile Park to feed Elvis a taste of the donated carp.
“Carp to Croc is a great example of the community rallying together against the issue of invasive carp,” Mayor McKinna said.
“This year’s competition saw more than 150 locals remove over 450 carp from our waterways, significantly higher than the 100 participants and 298 carp caught last year. It’s a strong reflection of our community’s commitment to protecting the health of our local environment.”
Of the carp caught during the event, 150 have been donated to the Australian Reptile Park. According to Mayor McKinna, that is enough to feed Elvis the crocodile for six months.
Council Director Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said the results show how powerful community action can be when locals and partners work together.
“It is encouraging to see so many people taking part and making a real contribution to the health of our waterways,” Mr Loader said.
“Working together with the community and our partners allows us to reduce the impact of invasive species and protect the environment for the future.”
There were also some big wins for local fishers. Bradley Collis took out the major prize with a 70cm carp and also won the Stringer of 3 category.
Nathan Stainbridge and family were recognised for an enormous effort, landing 96 carp and winning a family pass to the Australian Reptile Park, including the chance to feed Elvis the Crocodile.
The event was supported by Central Coast Council, BCF Tuggerah, OzFish and the Australian Reptile Park, with community members playing a key role in helping reduce the impact of invasive carp.
Visitors can see Elvis and the Park’s other crocodiles and alligators at the Australian Reptile Park, where donated carp from the event will help feed some of the Park’s most powerful reptiles.