Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife restores rights to have crocodiles as pets

Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife restores rights to have crocodiles as pets
December 27, 2024

Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife are restoring the rights of Territorians to have crocodiles as pets. The decision by the current NT Government is a reversal of the former Labor Government’s decision to stamp out the ownership permit system.

In April 2024, Labor told Territorians they could no longer own a pet crocodile—a decision made without proper consultation. This move sparked widespread disappointment among crocodile enthusiasts and advocates for the Territory’s unique way of life.

NT Minister for Parks and Wildlife, Marie-Clare Boothby, reaffirmed the current government’s commitment to restoring this key aspect of the Territory lifestyle while ensuring safety and animal welfare standards.

“Crocodiles are synonymous with the Territory—that’s what makes our lifestyle so unique—and responsible owners have a right to own one with a permit,” Minister Boothby noted.

“Labor blindsided Territorians with yet another foolish decision, ignoring the importance of consultation and community input. We are taking action to reverse this decision because opportunities like these are central to our Territory way of life.”

The current NT Government has commenced taking steps to reverse the decision and develop a strengthened permit system. This system will outline safety measures such as:

  • Tagging of crocodiles for identification.
  • Defined enclosure standards with robust materials to prevent escapes.
  • Clear animal welfare guidelines.

Tommy Hayes, a passionate crocodile enthusiast, welcomed the Government’s announcement and shared “being able to own a crocodile responsibly is a dream for many people like me.

“I was heartbroken when I was told earlier this year that our family couldn’t keep a crocodile. I’m glad the CLP is bringing this back—we choose to live here because of opportunities like these.”

Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, Joshua Burgoyne added “Territorians love their crocs, and I’m confident safeguards can be developed to ensure community safety, crocodile welfare, and biosecurity are properly managed.”

The proposed changes are expected to commence early next year and must be approved by the Administrator of the Northern Territory in accordance with the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976.

Related Articles

3rd September 2024 - Kakadu ranger suggests harsher fines could deter risky visitor behaviour around crocodiles

5th August 2024 - Absence of crocodiles helps Mildura in its rebrand as ‘Tropical North Victoria’

25th April 2024 - Northern Territory Crocodile Management Plan to ensure safety of swimmers

6th February 2024 - Public input invited for crocodile management in Northern Territory

22nd June 2023 - Queensland Budget 2023/24 delivers funding boost for crocodile safety initiatives

6th February 2023 - Saltwater crocodile escaped and recaptured at Billabong Sanctuary

14th January 2021 - Rockhampton Regional Council delivers reminder that Fitzroy River is known crocodile habitat

3rd February 2020 - Crocodile sighting causes closure of Queensland’s Four Mile Beach

22nd August 2019 - Police investigate juvenile crocodile theft from Kimberley wildlife park

19th March 2019 - Australia Zoo campaigns over wild crocodile egg harvesting plan

26th January 2019 - Saltwater crocodile killed at popular Broome beach

16th January 2019 - Looming catastrophe for Queensland crocodiles

25th July 2017 - Saltwater crocodile attacks lead to new Solomon Islands controls


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

The P.A. People

The P.A. People is a specialist integrator and contractor in sound reinforcement, audio visual systems, performance lighting and production communications. Over its almost 50 year history the company…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

Augmented Creative

Augmented Creative is an open organization of like-minded and highly dedicated, creative people who conceive, plan and execute visual solutions. We pursue new and innovative visual ideas to help…

read more

Arts / Attractions / Consultants / Design / Tourism

 
 

BH Fitness

BH Fitness, part of the long-standing and iconic bike manufacturer BH Group, is a global leader in fitness equipment for both Commercial and Home markets. The company, with the headquarters based in…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

VITEC

Stadiums and venues around the world recognise that success hinges on more than just what happens on the pitch. More than ever, fan engagement within each facility is a critical part of the overall…

read more

Entertainment / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

iDwala Pty Ltd

iDwala is the Community Sports Facility Specialist offering the highest quality designs and technical expertise to Councils, Schools and Sporting Clubs looking to create sporting…

read more

Consultants / Design / Recreation / Sport / Surfaces

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 

The Pool Enclosure Company

Now TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

SENtag

Developed in Europe, this innovative system offers a safety management solution for swimming pools that checks individual swimmers via their wristband - monitoring their depth and time. Sensors…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Safety / Technology / Waterparks

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business