HO HO HO! Although he may have to make his way around the world Christmas Eve, Santa has been spotted at The Australian Reptile Park dropping in early to get some cuddles with the animals and surprise them with special treats!

Parking his sleigh outside the park, he made his way inside with his sack full of goodies for all the animals at the Central Coast wildlife sanctuary. Keepers also eagerly got to spend some time with Santa, telling them what was on their lists this year.

Whether it was resident Galapagos Tortoise Hugo or Elsa the koala – the animals were all incredibly happy to receive their special gifts! Most notably, Santa was brave enough to take on 35 American alligators as he jumped into the lagoon to feed them snacks! Santa was feeling extra cheeky this year, jumping into enclosures and touching freshly painted areas around the park causing mischief!

Santa laughed his jolly laugh, “I love Australian animals so much! Australia has all sorts of different and dangerous wildlife, I would have spent all day there but I have so much left I need to finish before Christmas!” but did not hesitate to jump in and get his white gloves dirty.

Santa noted his time at the Central Coast wildlife sanctuary was his favourite trip so far but would not let his reindeer anywhere near the alligator enclosure! The feisty reptiles chased Santa out of their lagoon after he delivered their present and joked that, “Mrs Claus would be proud of all the exercise I have done at the Australian Reptile Park today!”

After a full day of spending time with the animals and spreading Christmas cheer, Santa bid farewell to the Australian Reptile Park. He said he would be back in Australia on Christmas Eve, and is so excited to bring gifts to all the little boys and girls of Australia. After all, he feels like the most dangerous job is done!