Elvis unimpressed with enclosure revamp

Keepers at the Australian Reptile Park gave the enclosure of Elvis the crocodile a makeover recently, but the almost 5m long croc was unimpressed.

Elvis did not take kindly to the new turf and native plants and attacked a pool pump and hose, dragging it under the water and thrashing it around.

Keepers frantically called Operations Manager Brandon Gifford to the scene.

Along with visitors, they watched nervously as Gifford jumped into the enclosure and started poking at Elvis’ mouth and body to release his grip.

After a tough game of tug-of-war, he managed to pull the pool pump and hose from the croc’s death grip.

“I didn’t actually know what was going on,” Gifford said.

“I was deep into meetings when my team frantically called me.

“I just thought ‘far out I’ve got to get in there’ because he could seriously do some harm to himself if he swallows any of the parts.”

Gifford described the situation as “bizarre,” expressing gratitude that his team was vigilant and able to step in, taking the necessary steps to help Elvis through the unusual incident.

“Elvis is the king of the Australian Reptile Park and if anything goes into his enclosure he wants a piece of it,” he said.

“He absolutely destroyed the pump and I’m sure he’s pretty happy with himself right now.”

Visitors can see Elvis in action during the Elvis Show at 1.30pm every day in the Summer school holidays.

The 500kg beast gained worldwide attention when he almost ate his keeper’s lawnmower in 2011, earning him the title of Australia’s crankiest crocodile.

Elvis acts as an ambassador for saltwater crocodiles and is one of the most popular animals at the Australian Reptile Park.

He helps educate on the importance of saltwater crocodiles in the environment.

Saltwater crocodiles were once hunted to the brink of extinction in Australia but following their status to be legally protected in QLD, NT and WA, their numbers have made a full recovery.

They are now listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.