At 45-years-old and weighing in at a whopping 400kg, this apex predator has been leaping into action to enjoy his meals thanks to an enrichment training program.  

Carefully designed by the animal care team, his training program encourages him to flex his muscles by, launching out of the water to snap up his ‘prey’.

The jaw-dropping display may look impressive, but it plays an important part in keeping this croc moving.  

By encouraging these natural instincts, Dangalabba stays mentally stimulated while experiencing the challenges he would face in the wild.

As the world’s largest living reptile species, Estuarine Crocodiles are opportunistic feeders, hunting everything from fish and birds to larger mammals like sheep and cattle.

At the Zoo, Dangalabba tucks into about five kilograms per feed, including tasty treats of fish and kangaroo meat.

And like most reptiles, his activity shifts with the seasons.

Slowing down during cooler months to conserve his energy before ramping up the action in the warmer weather when his carnivorous instincts take over.

For those wanting to see the action up close, our brand-new animal experience offers a rare opportunity to get face-to-face with the impressive predators.

Stepping onto the feeding platform, visitors can have a heart-racing encounter as Dangalabba launches for his meal just metres away.

This World Crocodile Day, we're also encouraging everyone to help protect these incredible creatures for future generations.

As apex predators, crocodiles play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by regulating populations, maintaining wetland health, and even helping clean up waterways.

But they face challenges like habitat loss and poaching, making conservation efforts more important than ever.

While crocodiles were once a threatened species, protective legislation introduced in the 1970s enabled numbers to be replenished, and now encouragingly, the conservation status is considered Least Concern. 

Dangalabba’s is a powerful ambassador for his cousins in the wild, helping visitors better understand the importance of protecting crocodiles in the wild.

For more information and to book now see the Animal Experience page.