Job Description: Crocodile Handler

I shouldn’t have favourites but…
 Wendell is definitely my favourite. He is the largest crocodile in the park and the 2^nd largest crocodile in captivity in Australia.  At 5.5m he is not to be messed with.  Plus I get to feed him so of course we have a special bond!

Favourite Celebrity Moment:
 USA Rapper and host of Pimp My Ride, Xzibit. Watching him do the Cage was so funny, he thoroughly enjoyed it, once his nerves left him.  He broke two pairs of goggles…but we forgave him!

Cute Critters: I would definitely have to say that I would crown the Northern Knob-tailed gecko as the most unusual reptile here. They’re so unfortunate looking, yet, so cute.

What makes Crocosaurus Cove so special:
 I really love how we have a high level of interaction between our work and the guests that come though. It’s much more enjoyable to be involved than to just watch. Plus the looks on some people’s faces when they feed Chopper as part of our Big Croc Feed Experience, is priceless.

Favourite Celebrity Moment:
I loved it when Dr Harry Cooper came to visit, he was so genuinely nice and happy to be here which made showing off our park all the more fun. He really appreciated all that we do here and we taught each other a few things.

My best memory of 2011 is when the XXXX Angeles came for a visit! They all did the Cage of Death and fed Harry.
Watching the girls out of their element but thoroughly enjoying themselves was a rewarding day at work.

What makes Crocosaurus Cove so special:
I think what separates Crocosaurus Cove from anything else in Australia is that we are set up like a Crocodile aquarium as opposed to just showcasing crocodile enclosures. We have 360 degree viewing of crocodiles doing what they do best, basking in the sun, going for a dip, laying on the bottom of a water system and even procreating! Plus, we have crocodiles that happily live 3 stories high in the city occupying some pretty prime Darwin real estate!

At this point in time my favourite reptile in the park is our baby carpet python named Chimera and it’s only 3 weeks old.

Who is the favourite celebrity that you have met while working at Crocosaurus Cove?

I would have to say Anthony Lapaglia and Jess Mauboy tie for first place of my favourite celebrities to have come through the park, both very humble.

What makes Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin’s Northern Territory so special?

We have some reptiles that are unknown to science. But right now, our most unusual would have to be the Pig-nosed turtle. Recent research has found that they are actually carnivores where, for the last 30 years they have thought to have been herbivores.

For more information on the team at Crocosaurus Cove, check out our staff profiles.

The school holiday program runs from 17 December – 15 January and has plenty of games, competitions, face painting and animal encounters to keep the kids busy.

During December, Crocosaurus Cove also had a visit from Santa himself!  What a unique Northern Territory experience to have your photo taken with Santa and a crocodile.

If you are looking for things to do in Darwin these holidays, look no further than Crocosaurus Cove.

Check out the school holiday program at Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin.

Face painting, games, quiz and colouring competitions as well as Dundee our gorgeous Crocodile mascot!                                Click on the image to view our program

Looking for a Christmas photo with a Northern Territory twist this year? Get you photo taken with Santa every weekend in December between 10am -1 pm.

For more information on what to see and do in Darwin and Crocosaurus Cove these school holidays, contact our ticket desk on 08 8981 7522.