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Perth Zoo is “deeply disappointed” after two teens broke into its crocodile enclosure and hit one of the reptiles with a metal pole.
The two boys, aged 16 and 17, broke into the zoo on Sunday night, around 7.15pm.
Authorities do not know how the teens gained entry to the facility, but soon afterwards, they cut the locks to a crocodile enclosure and struck one of the reptiles with a pole.
The incident was caught on CCTV before the pair spotted the camera and removed it from the wall.
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WA Police were notified the following morning, and arrested the teens a short time later.
The boys, from Baldivis and Belmont, were charged with criminal damage, trespassing and animal cruelty.
They are due to appear in Perth Children’s Court on Tuesday afternoon.
Perth Zoo said the teens broke into the estuarine crocodile habitat through the ‘back-of-house’ areas.
“This was a reckless and irresponsible act that placed both animal welfare and human safety at significant risk,” a spokesperson said.
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“As a result of the incident, the crocodile sustained minor injuries. Our veterinary team and dedicated animal care staff are closely monitoring him and providing any treatment required to support his recovery.
“Animal welfare underpins everything we do at Perth Zoo, and we are deeply disappointed by this incident.”
Zoo security is reviewing how the incident occurred.
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Rebecca Peppiatt is a journalist with WAtoday, specialising in crime and courts.Connect via email.AdvertisementAdvertisement