Two teenagers charged after allegedly breaking into zoo, hitting croc with a pole, tell me about this news in (https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/two-teenagers-charged-after-allegedly-breaking-into-zoo-hitting-croc-with-a-pole/ar-AA2cf8JY?ocid=BingNewsVerp)
15-09-2026
Here is a summary of the news story:Two teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, have been arrested and charged by Western Australia Police after allegedly breaking into Perth Zoo on Sunday evening and attacking a saltwater crocodile.According to police and court reports:
- The pair entered the closed zoo grounds around 7:15 pm and cut locks to access the crocodile enclosure.
- Inside the habitat, they allegedly banged on the enclosure wall, causing the crocodilea four-metre, roughly 400 kg male named Dangalabbato lunge. One teenager entered the enclosure and struck the crocodile with a metal pole while the other illuminated the area with a torch.
- The teens were also accused of covering their faces, ripping security CCTV cameras off the wall to damage surveillance equipment, and riding zoo staff bicycles around the grounds before escaping.
- Zoo staff discovered the breach the following morning, and police later arrested the boys at residences in Baldivis and Belmont.
- Both teenagers were charged with animal cruelty, trespass, and two counts of criminal damage.
- Perth Zoo reported that the crocodile sustained minor, superficial injuries and is currently recovering under close monitoring by veterinary and care staff.