The Australian Reptile Park has once again come face-to-face with prehistoric power, successfully capturing Elvis the Crocodile who is the Reptile Park’s largest, most dangerous, and most notorious resident. Measuring an enormous almost 4.8 metres long and armed with bone-crushing jaws, Elvis is widely regarded as Australia’s crankiest crocodile, and with good reason. In his 14 years at the Reptile Park, he has only ever been captured three times due to the extreme risk involved.
The decision to restrain Elvis was not taken lightly. Ongoing and increasingly serious dental infections meant intervention was unavoidable, with the team knowing that leaving the issue untreated could have been fatal. Australian Reptile Park Manager Billy Collett described the operation as the most dangerous task undertaken at the Park, explaining that there is nothing more high-risk than restraining a mature male Saltwater Crocodile.
Months of preparation led up to the capture, with intensive training sessions designed to prepare staff for every possible scenario. Just moments before entering the enclosure, Billy conducted a final safety briefing, reinforcing strict protocols and lessons learned from a previous capture that nearly ended in disaster.
At first, the operation appeared calm. Three of the Park’s most senior reptile keepers entered the enclosure and lured Elvis forward as if it were a routine feed. That calm evaporated in an instant. As soon as a rope was secured over Elvis’ top jaw, the massive crocodile exploded into action, launching into a series of violent death rolls. His powerful body spun repeatedly in a primal survival response, testing the strength, focus, and teamwork of the keepers, who knew a single mistake could be catastrophic.
When Elvis finally paused, veterinarians were able to administer sedation and carefully reposition him. X-rays of his jaw revealed a welcome surprise. While the team initially expected to remove several teeth, veterinarians were pleased with the condition of the affected areas. Dr Robin Crisman from Somersby Animal Hospital removed the infection from Elvis’ visible teeth, allowing them to naturally fall out and be replaced. Scans showed that although Elvis’ current teeth have no enamel left, healthy new teeth are developing inside his jaw which is a positive sign that recent dietary changes are working well.
The successful outcome brought huge relief to the team, especially for keepers experiencing their first-ever Saltwater Crocodile capture. Reptiles 2IC Annika Barker described the experience as nerve-wracking but incredible, noting how lucky the team was that Elvis remained manageable during such a dangerous procedure.
Billy praised the team’s efforts, calling the operation a textbook croc capture and celebrating the best possible result for Elvis. The iconic crocodile has been given the all-clear and is already back to his daily 1:30pm feeding show, where visitors can witness his raw power up close.
Elvis is expected to make a full recovery just in time for the summer holidays and his upcoming 60th birthday. This summer also sees the return of the Australian Reptile Park’s hugely popular Jurassic Zoo, featuring animatronic dinosaurs, live shows, and real-life prehistoric giants, including Elvis himself.
With one of Australia’s most dangerous animals safely treated and back on display, the Australian Reptile Park has once again demonstrated the skill, dedication, and bravery of its reptile team, ensuring Elvis continues to reign as the Park’s ultimate prehistoric icon.