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Crunch the Super Croc

A Heavyweight Champion of the Animal Kingdom

Crunch is in an elite group of world heavyweight crocodiles – A true giant of the animal kingdom. It appears that there is much exaggeration when the length and weights of crocodiles are discussed. Crunch was accurately measured by us when he arrived at the park in 2014 at 5metres (16.4 feet) in length and 500kg (1102lbs) in weight. He is approximately 75 years of age.

A crocodile of this size has tremendously powerful jaws. Crunch’s jaws exert as much as 3700lbs. of force per square inch – hence the name “Crunch”! A human’s bite pressure has been recorded at 120lbs per square inch. Crocodile tooth pressures of up to 350,000lbs per square inch have been recorded in other heavyweight crocodiles. the measurement for bite force is taken at the rear of the jaws.

Crunch's Story

Crunch was the undisputed dominate male of the Lockhart River region of far North Queensland, fiercely defending his domain from other giant crocodiles that entered his territory. he was deemed to be a problem animal due to his size, aggression, and habit of frequenting a busy boat ramp.

In March 2007, a trap was set, twice Crunch took the baits but somehow escaped. On the third attempt he was captured and transported to a crocodile farm holding facility in Cooktown where he was released into a pen for breeding purposes. He then escaped from the holding pen and took up residence in a disused barramundi dam on the same property, where he resided for the past six years.

It did not take long for Crunch to learn the manager’s routine. Crunch would know what day the manager was expected to bring him his weekly feed, when he would crash his way up the 5-metre incline of the dam like a machine, eager for his lunch.

The manager of the crocodile farm quickly realised that Crunch was a special crocodile, standing out from the crowd not just because of his size but for his unique personality.

Scientific Name: Crocodylus porosus

Australian Saltwater Crocodile

Crocodylus is derived from the greek krokodeilos = pebble worm.
The word porosus = callosites and refers to the bump armour-plating on the back.

Other Names: Estuarine Crocodile, Indo-Pacific Crocodile or "Saltie"

Habitat

As the name implies, this species inhabits the tidal sections of rivers in tropical Australia from pure fresh water to saltwater. They can also inhabit freshwater streams, swamps and billabongs of the river floodplains and are aften seen swimming in open ocean.

In recent years in northern Australia “Salties” have recovered their numbers forcing them further upstream into marginal habitats, often in unexpected locations.

Feeding & Diet

Hatchlings feed mostly on insects and may also take small fish, tadpoles, and frogs, progressing to reptiles, birds, crustaceans and mammals even up to the size of a Water Buffalo for mature adults.

Reproduction

Usually nests during the northern west season from late October – to April. The female constructs a nest of vegetation and soil in which she lays up to 50 hard shelled eggs. Incubation duration is between 65 – 114 days.

Interesting Fact

Saltwater crocodiles have the most developed brain of any reptile and can remember routines of other animals (including people) thus helping them to capture prey by waiting in certain spots at certain times of the day or year.

Total Number of Teeth:

64 - 68

Conservation Status:

Widely distributed and numerous in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Numbers are depleted in the remaining parts of their range.

Where to find us

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Crunch Submerged
crunch 2
Crunch the Super Croc Feed at Ballarat Wildlife Park
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Crunch underwater
"We had a wonderful morning at the zoo. It had great enclosures, clean and well kept. The gran children were able to get close to many of the animals and had no trouble spotting those that were in enclosures. The animals appeared to be very well kelt and many had a rapport with their keepers. The wombats even rolled over for tummy rubs, very cute. A wonderfull time was had by all."

Julie Muir

"It is a small interactive zoo. It is fun to feed the kangaroos by hand. The animal presentations are fun and informative."

Deep Patel

"Visiting the wildlife park was so enjoyable, it was honestly just a spur of the moment on this solo trip but it was worth it. There were a few animals out that day but not too many, maybe it was hot that day, but you can't not see kangaroos just chilling about so you have plenty of time to feed them, a food bag costs an extra 4 bucks fyi.. careful tho, some kangaroos really chomp down so hold your hand out flat 🤣. It was also really nice of the park to have presentations around the zoo/park so ppl could go to, both to watch animals but to learn more about them at the same time, I managed to watch one about the tigers :)"

Ricky Chan

"The most funny place to have interaction with Kangaroos from kangaroo island, Emus, llamas, etc. Reptile show is awesome! Plenty of green areas with tables and seats to have a picnic."

Julio Najera

"Kids had a great time. They cuddled Koala's, fed Kangaroos, and took lots of photos, including with Kangaroos. The tiger enclosure and the mini showtime are great, too. There was a wait inside the cafe during lunchtime. However, the food and the coffee were great. Tip: Get food for kangaroos at the front before you go in."

Sanoj

"Great place for everyone... The staff is very friendly and informative. Oh and don't forget to eat their Fish & Chips 👌 perfectly cooked. 😋"

Farhan Khan

“Our goal is to provide a quality interactive experience between people and animals for the promotion of respect, empathy, and understanding. We contribute to the survival of the environments we ultimately share with them.”

Download Current Brochure

Ballarat Wildlife Park

250 Fussell Street
Ballarat East, 3350
Victoria, Australia

  • (03) 5333 5933
  • 0011 61 3 5333 5933
  • info@wildlifepark.com.au

Admission

At Entrance:

$40.00 Adults
$30.00 Concession
$20.00 Children (5yo - 15yo)
$100.00 Family (2 Adults & up to 4 children)

Online

$36.00 Adults
$27.00 Concession
$18.00 Children (5yo - 15yo)
$95.00 Family (2 Adults & up to 4 children)

Opening Hours

Monday - Sunday
9:00am to 5:00pm

Closed Christmas Day

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Acknowledgement of Country

We respectfully acknowledge and pay our deepest respects to Wadawurrung, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Ballarat Wildlife Park stands.

Awards

Best Major Attraction

Best Attraction

FAQs

Animal Encounters

Animals

Presentations

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