Monday, December 8, 2008

Family Visit-Part 4 - Salties and Freshies

Having completely struck out on our first croc adventure, (if you are in the Daintree Rainforest don't go on the river cruise, its a crock) we happened on Hartley's Crocodile Farm.  And we arrived at feeding time!!!  Here is a Freshwater Crocodile or Freshy as they are called.  He is an intimidating little fellow, if you call a 5 foot crocodile little.  They typically live in freshwater rivers or lakes so have a second thought before taking that refreshing dip in the cool mountain river.

Apparently, there haven't been any reported human fatalities from the Freshy.  However, Zoo Guy did say they have been known to chomp a limb or two off.  To prove his point Zoo Guy climbed in the cage with the little devils.  There were about twenty crocs in the enclosure with him but none of them made a move for him.  I wonder though, if all twenty crocs took just one limb how long would it take you to run out of limbs?
And then the real action happened!!!  Here are the Saltwater Crocs or Salties.  These monsters alone are worth the price of admission.  Notice Zoo Guy safely behind the steel fence.  When he threw the fish out the croc was about five feet away but when the croc caught it it was about a foot from Zoo Guy's hand.  The croc lunged four feet in the same amount of time the fish flew one.  I'm sure you math guys out there could figure the speed at which the croc was moving but let me save you some time and just say its fast!!!  Obviously, these guys live in saltwater so if you want to swim in the ocean or rivers near the ocean you better be fast or at least faster than someone in your group.
Did I mention they can jump?  It's really just better not to be in, under, near, around, over or next to water in Queensland.
As we were about to leave we thought about having a closer look.  Somehow I angered this croc and she had a go at me.  She already jumped up hit the fence, landed on the ground and is ready to have another go when this picture was taken.  You can tell that I am just about to jump back and Amy's expression is just about to change.  Now that's fast.  She hit the fence so hard she bloodied her snout so we figured it was time to move on, for her sake, and I had to change my pants.
If you are ever in the area don't miss Hartley's at feeding time.  Thanks Bill and Charlotte for the great day.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Scary...but very cool!

NandL said...

I LOOOOOVE the fact that the title says Family Visit and then you see a picture of a crocodile!!!! hahahahahahahaha
Laura H...

JEroh said...

Awe...crocs are so adoreable! Haha...I just wanted to say "hi", Amy. Looks like you're havin a blast. =) You and Damon have a good Christmas and New Years! o/

mark, charity, freedom, & courage said...

Awesome! I'm so glad that you guys are getting out and getting to see Aussie-land! I'm envious, but not too envious about the crocs. A bloody snout means a forceful leap. Yikes.