JUMPING CROCODILES - an introduction to Kakadu

Just thinking about the National Park KAKADU it’s easy to slip away and imagine what this country is about. All Dave and I could think about is CROCODILES!

So with that image imprinted we scouted out on where to find these great prehistoric creatures.

First sighting was a 1.5 metre freshwater croc on the banks of Fog Dam just out of the National Park. We wanted MORE. So not far down the track we ventured for:

Adelaide River Cruises presents: Jumping Crocodiles.

“Why the hell not” we stated. Knowing that this business was family owned (not a massive commercialised business), not endangering the wildlife or the environment, and more importantly not getting ourselves into too much danger... we jumped on board a 10 metre tinny boat with another 15 people on board “We’ll be right”. From the NT News newspaper front cover headlines, we heard of a local croc on the Adelaide River. A 5m long male weighing just over a tonne. I was hoping 4 of his mate’s don’t rock up and decide to have a go at the boat. Brutus was the name of this rare oversized male we want to see. They say he’s over 100 years old and seen many battles in his time; one too many as being identified by the scares and the loss of his front leg. I started thinking...if Brutus is 5m long and weighs a tonne, what on earth was he battling to lose the arm. My question was answered when the all mighty Dominator came around the corner averaging the same size as Brutus. I’m guessing their not good friends.

Its BRUTUS!

Note the missing front leg

This is DOMINATOR

Brutus is now a famous croc in the NT with pictures reaching all over the world because of his amazing size. However, the commercialised businesses are claiming Brutus is their Crocodile hoarding the extra business around this rarity. The fact being, Brutus is part of the family’s owned business. Fact: (referencing the NT NEWS) the photo pictured a 10 metre tinny on the front cover not a Double Decker boat owned by the other businesses, plus each cruise has their own area of the river whereby Brutus only lives further downstream where the family business resides. 

our boat..not much of a barrier

Just a little perspective

Good jump by a small female

What big teeth you have!

With the boat cruise going out 4 times a day, these crocs get pretty use to the positive assurance they receive with the boat. Attracted by the wild buffalo dangling in front of their eyes they use their very powerful tail to project themselves at least 2 metres out of the water. This was a definite sight to see.

We call him 'The Apprentice'

If this was the introduction to Kakadu, we’re going to like the rest of it.