I thought I would introduce everybody to the newest addition to my growing family.
Her name is Frankie and she is a 4 year old freshwater crocodile. Frankie came to me through a lady who had lost her licence for whatever reasons and needed to rehome her.
Frankies dad, Fovian actually lives with my mum now in Beechworth and is very happy in Billy the saltwater crocodiles old enclosure with his best friend who is a broad-shelled turtle.
Frankie did not enjoy having to leave her mums house where she has spent all of her life. She tried to bite and cried in the saddest sound. Her owner Kaz cried when she heard her and I felt terrible taking her but we knew she was going to a good home and would be well cared for.
Before we got Frankie we found a very large tank for her to live in for the first couple of years. The tank is 2.7m long x 600mm high x 600mm wide. Which is a pretty good size tank given shes only about 600mm long herself.
She is starting to calm down now that she has realised we don't want to hurt her and that the tank is her domain. We won't try and handle her for a few weeks at least and let her settle in and get a good feeding schedule going.
Frankie will live with us for the rest of her life and her enclosures will change and grow to suit her needs. Eventually when we purchase some suitable land we will build a full crocodile pool and lots of space to roam.
Crocodiles are often feared and misunderstood creatures and while they can definitely be dangerous they are also an incredible creature to see face to face. Freshwater crocodiles have a far better temprament than their salt water relatives and with time Frankie will come to accept us. She has bitten someone already but that is understandable given the fear she would be feeling.
Fovian her father can be easily approached and even touched without him caring in the slightest. The saltwater crocodile who used to live with us Billy would certainly never let you within touching distance or he would try and rip you to pieces.
I will try and post updates on Frankie and more pictures of her as I can, You guys can watch her grow with me :).