Teens charged after breaking into Perth Zoo and striking crocodile
Two boys broke into Perth Zoo, struck a crocodile with a metal pole, and face animal cruelty charges.
The boys entered the South Perth zoo around 7:15pm on Sunday while it was closed, cutting locks to reach the crocodile enclosure. CCTV captured them striking the animal with the pole before removing cameras from the wall.
The incident was reported to police on Monday morning. Officers arrested the teenagers at separate addresses in Baldivis and Belmont later that day.
Each faces two counts of criminal damage, trespass, and animal cruelty. The crocodile sustained minor injuries and is being monitored by veterinary staff.
Both boys are due in Perth Children's Court today.
- 16 and 17
- Ages
- 7:15pm Sunday
- Time of entry
- Perth Zoo, South Perth
- Location
Why it mattersZoo security breaches put animals and staff at risk; the case tests how courts handle animal cruelty in public facilities.
AustraliaRaises questions about security at Australia's public zoos and how youth offenders are prosecuted for animal welfare crimes.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 9 d ago
