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Published: September 19th 2013
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Have you ever wanted to emulate Steve Irwin and wrestle a croc? Apparently that has been on Marg's bucket list, so today we chose to give croc wrestling a go.
There are thousands of crocs around Darwin. They say for any one croc you see, there are another eight you have not or cannot see. They can stay under water for hours by slowing their heart to 1 BPM. We would be declared dead, but these rather deadly predators will wait in this state and then pounce on their prey.
The venue for croc wrangling was Crocodylus Park, just on the southern outskirts of Darwin.
We were first into the park at opening and had a good look around the crocodile ponds and pools before a feeding tour an hour later.
If you have any doubts about the speed and strength of salties - just look at the pictures. Yet it was one of these that Marg was so determined to conquer. They can run at about 18ks/hr, but for relatively short distances. But if you are close to the waters edge, they will hit you before you even knew they were there.
When you see
how far they can jump out of the water, this will add to your appreciation, that any attempt to wrestle one of these creatures, must be well planned. Being an organised girl, I believe she will have had this well under control - all that hospital discipline etc.
The tour continued past the breeding pens (Crocodylus Park is a breeding business) where some pretty big boys and there slightly smaller girl friends are living as breeding season approaches.
The programme here has a hatchery for eggs from the wild as well as their own egg production. Additionally, problem crocs are brought here by Parks and Wildlife. We met one who has eaten one man and many dogs and cattle. Others have come in because they have been injured or found wandering too far away from water. We met one lady croc who had lost her left front leg - didn't stop her from swimming, jumping or running across the grass. Another is now 300mm shorter after another croc bit the end of its tail clean off.
Still, with all this information, Marg continued bravely to the point where she was going to tackle a croc. (Saltie)
Then the moment arrived, and looking the croc in the eye, I saw the first signs of dread and fear. The bucket list seemed almost irrelevant as she stared down the brute.
Gathering all her strength and determination, she held the base of the tail in her right hand and restrained the wriggling bitey end by holding the neck firmly with the left, and just as the training manual said, the croc just stayed there, almost motionless. It even let the camera come in close to record the event.
Do not try this technique without proper training and supervision, as you will find in general that at the minimum you will go home battered and bruised, if you go home at all.
Well done Marg.
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Brian
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Never Smile
They never smile at a crocodile and I can see you are. Enjoy yourselves Brian and Maureen