26 September 2009

Environment Minister Donna Faragher today opened Perth Zoo’s newest exhibit for one of the world’s most fearsome predators – the estuarine crocodile.

Perth Zoo’s male estuarine crocodile, “Simmo”, now has an outdoor heated billabong and extra land area for basking, which he used to do in a previously out-of-sight area.

Mrs Faragher said the exhibit, funded by the State Government and Perth Zoo’s corporate sponsorship program, is an important addition to the Zoo as it more than trebles the size of the exhibit and gives visitors further insight into the reptile’s natural behaviours.

“One of the features of the exhibit, which has cost $600,000, is a platform over the pool from which keepers can feed “Simmo” in the summer months,” Mrs Faragher said.

“Estuarine crocodiles are capable of launching half their body length out of the water – usually in an ambush attack – and visitors can now see this unique behaviour.

“Simmo, who weighs about 550 kg and is 4.8 metres long, is very popular with Zoo visitors. The exhibit and its surrounds have also been designed to replicate the Kimberley region of Western Australia, one of the crocodile’s natural habitats.

“This includes pandanus grass and other native plants, rocky crevices and olive python sculptures. Models of cane toads have also been placed throughout the gardens to inform visitors of the threat this pest poses to the Kimberley.”

A 12-metre long, glass viewing area gives visitors the perfect opportunity to see “Simmo” inside his exhibit, whether he’s in his pool or basking in the sun on land.”

Mrs Faragher said next Thursday marked the beginning of Croctober at Perth Zoo, featuring extra presentations on crocodiles and special children’s activities during the school holidays.

Information on Simmo

Perth Zoo’s estuarine crocodile “Simmo” was removed from Darwin Harbour by wildlife officers following public safety concerns and moved to Perth Zoo in 1998. 

Perth Zoo visitors are usually overawed by “Simmo’s” sheer size and anatomy including his third eyelid which assists with his underwater vision.

To replicate feeding patterns in the wild, “Simmo’s” diet alternates between gorge-feeding with sheep carcasses in summer, when crocodiles are most active, and smaller items like chickens during winter.

Because he was caught in the wild, “Simmo’s” age is not precisely known, but he is estimated to be between 50 and 70 years old.