Croc are YOU doing here? Confused saltie named 'Covid' is found ‘severely dehydrated’ in Brisbane, 1,500 kms away from its usual home
- A juvenile saltwater crocodile was rescued 1,500kms from its natural habitat
- The small crocodile was found at a park in Chermside, north of Brisbane
- The croc, named 'Covid' was severely dehydrated and distressed when it found
A saltwater crocodile has been found in a Brisbane park more than 1,500km away from its natural habitat.
The severely dehydrated reptile, that animal rescue experts nicknamed 'Covid', was discovered at the 7th Brigade Park, in Chermside, on Thursday.
The Department of Environment and Science said the juvenile crocodile was found around 80 metres from a nearby creek and was in a distressed state.
A severely dehydrated saltwater crocodile (pictured) was rescued from a Brisbane park on Thursday
'It is believed the animal may have been caught in the wild before being transported to Queensland,' a department statement read.
'Transporting wild animals, and in this case a dangerous one, is completely unacceptable.
'Apart from being very cruel, doing so can cause serious issues such as transmission of disease and introducing them into unsuitable habitat.'
The crocodile is only 40cm long but could measure up to five metres when it is fully grown.
The animal was transported to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service facility at Moggill and is recovering in a saltwater pond.
Once recovered the crocodile will be rehomed in one of the government owned wildlife centres in south east Queensland.
If anyone has information as to how this animal was brought to Brisbane, the department is urging them to come forward.
The saltwater crocodile population in Australia is estimated to be anywhere between 100,000 to 200,000 adults.
They are mostly found in the northern regions of the country from Western Australia to the Northern Territory and north Queensland coasts.
The juvenile crocodile is recovering in a saltwater pond (pictured) at a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service facility
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