Elvis the Croc Destroys Pool Pump!

This week, Elvis the crocodile’s enclosure has undergone a makeover with a deep clean, new turf and native plants. Unfortunately, Elvis wasn’t too happy about the change. The almost 5-metre-long saltwater crocodile attacked a pool pump and hose that was draining water from his enclosure, dragging it under the water and thrashing it around.

Keepers frantically called Operations Manager, Brandon Gifford, to the scene to go in and save Elvis from swallowing the pump.

Keepers and visitors watched nervously as Brandon jumped into Elvis’ enclosure, who then started poking at Elvis’ mouth and body to release his grip. It wasn’t until after a tough game of tug-of-war until Gifford successfully pulled the pool pump and hose from Elvis’ death grip.
One visitor was able to film some of this dangerous encounter on their phone and shared the footage with Australian Reptile Park staff.

“I didn’t actually know what was going on” Brandan explained. “I was deep into meetings when my team frantically called me. I just thought ‘far out I’ve got to get in there’ because he could seriously do some harm to himself if he swallows any of the parts”

Gifford described the situation as "bizarre," expressing gratitude that his team was vigilant and able to step in, taking the necessary steps to help Elvis through the unusual incident.
“Elvis is the king of the Australian Reptile Park and if anything goes into his enclosure he wants a piece of it. He absolutely destroyed the pump and I’m sure he’s pretty happy with himself right now.”

Visitors to the Australian Reptile Park can see Elvis, Australia’s crankiest saltwater crocodile in action during the Elvis Show at 1:30pm everyday in the upcoming summer school holidays. The 500kg beast gained world-wide attention when he almost ate his keeper’s lawnmower in 2011, earning him the title of Australia’s crankiest crocodile.

Elvis the crocodile acts as an ambassador for Saltwater crocodiles and one of the most popular animals at the Australian Reptile Park. By having such a large profile, he serves to provide people with a connection to saltwater crocodiles and educates his fans of the importance of saltwater crocodiles in the environment.

Saltwater crocodiles were once hunted to the brink of extinction in Australia but following their status to be legally protected in QLD, NT and WA, their numbers have made a full recovery and they are now listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.