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This World Crocodile Day (17^th June), WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour is honouring its resident Saltwater Crocodile, Rocky - a 365kg mammoth reptile, named after his hometown of Rockhampton – who serves as an ambassador for his species, helping to educate guests to the attraction about the threats facing crocodiles in the wild.

Among these threats, is human hunting for crocodile hide. In many countries, including Australia, hunting is now illegal, yet around the world there is still some illegal poaching taking place. In some parts of the world they have been almost hunted to extinction, due to the value of their hide, habitat clearing and their reputation as man-eaters.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Keeper and one of Rocky’s primary carers, Marina Axia says working with such a large, fascinating and intelligent animal is the best part of her job and notes “as part of Rocky’s enrichment, we engage him in training sessions to help stimulate natural behaviours – and also help us to care for him.

“Have you ever wondered how you would clean a deadly croc’s exhibit? After months of training, the team has successfully trained Rocky to recognise the sound of a ringing bell, encouraging the four metre reptile to emerge from the water and onto land, allowing keepers to enter the water and ensure it is in the best condition for our favourite croc to return.”

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