Big airport upgrade as diving with saltwater crocodiles comes to Oz

READING LEVEL: GREEN

Darwin’s iconic* Crocosaurus Cove will be coming to Darwin International Airport, allowing travellers to experience daily crocodile feedings and up-close encounters with the fearsome predators* while waiting for their flights.

Travellers will also be able to take part in the “Cage of Death” experience before boarding their overseas flights. While it sounds terrifying, the Cage of Death is a tongue in cheek NT way of marketing* what is actually a very safe way of seeing saltwater crocodiles close up. It enables brave crocodile enthusiasts to dive while enclosed in a protective, clear cage as a massive crocodile swims and feeds around them.

Darwin International Airport head of operations Melanie Cobbin said the expansion had been a long-term project.

“After months of careful planning, we’re excited to confirm that Crocosaurus Cove will be expanding to Darwin International Airport,” she said.

Artist’s impression of the new Cage of Death expansion display at Darwin International Airport.

Crocosaurus Cove operations manager Charlotte Price said it was an exciting time for Darwin. “We are proud to offer an airport world first opportunity for passengers to learn about crocodile conservation, education and get up close and personal with our Territory icon,” she said.

This artist impression shows how the Cage of Death protects participants from the crocodile.

“We are thrilled to be relocating our iconic Cage of Death experience to the Darwin International Airport.

“This project is shovel-ready, we are looking to break ground* this afternoon.

“The experience will be available from the start of the Dry Season*, and as part of the relocation, travellers will now be able to book the Cage of Death as an optional add-on when purchasing flights, just like excess baggage with airlines.

“Stay tuned as we release more details.”

Artist impressions of the new Cage of Death expansion display at Darwin International Airport.

FACTS ABOUT SALTWATER CROCODILES
Reaching a length of more than 6.5m and a weight of about 1000kg, it’s no wonder the saltwater crocodile is one of the most fearsome apex predators on the planet. According to Oceana.org, a reptile of this size is capable of eating just about any animal that gets in its way – including humans.

As old as the dinosaurs and the world’s largest living reptile, the “saltie” has the strongest bite in the animal world, with teeth up to 13cm long. As if that wasn’t awe-inspiring enough, here are some more incredible saltwater crocodile facts to sink your teeth into.

1. Large saltwater crocodiles can stay underwater for up to one hour and reduce their heartbeat to just two to three beats per minute while spying on prey

Saltwater crocodiles are prehistoric reptiles. Picture: Cameron Bates

2. Crocodiles regularly lose teeth but they have reserve teeth ready to replace any that fall out. They have about 66 teeth in their mouth at once but can go through 3000 teeth in one lifetime

3. Crocodiles have transparent* eyelids that protect their eyes while they are underwater so they can see when they are completely submerged

4. The bumps on a crocodile’s back are known as “scutes.” These change the flow of water above a crocodile so the water doesn’t ripple as the croc swims below the surface, making it easier for the croc to sneak up on its prey

5. Saltwater crocodiles have been around for about 65 million years – gulp!

https://www.kidsnews.com.au/animals/big-airport-upgrade-as-diving-with-saltwater-crocodiles-comes-to-oz/news-story/69c9c1a6321352e71ab3b43f639fe39f