Iconic Crocodile ‘Old Faithful’ Removed From Wild, Customary Owners Demand Return
Queensland, Australia – A saltwater crocodile known as “Old faithful,” made famous during appearances with the late Steve Irwin, has been removed from its habitat by the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, sparking outrage from traditional owners who claim the removal is unjust and demand the animal’s return to the wild. The Rinyirru Aboriginal Corporation asserts the crocodile, estimated to be 80-100 years old, belongs to them and the land they steward.
The removal has ignited a dispute over wildlife management and Indigenous rights, with the Rinyirru corporation arguing the department acted without proper consultation and despite evidence suggesting the crocodile could be safely reintroduced to its natural environment. The incident underscores a growing tension between conservation efforts prioritizing public safety and the cultural significance of animals to First Nations communities. The Environmental Defenders Office, representing advocacy group Community Portrayal of Crocodiles (Croc), is currently awaiting a statement of reasons from the department regarding the removal.
According to a letter from Rinyirru spokesperson Sean Lyall,the corporation’s board consulted with crocodile scientists emeritus professor gordon Grigg and Dr Ross Dwyer,who advised that a captured crocodile could be successfully returned to the wild,citing precedent for such actions. “Old faithful could be 80 or 100 years old – he deserves to live out his life in peace,” Lyall wrote. “We are asking that Old Faithful be returned home. He doesn’t belong to the Queensland government. He belongs to Rinyirru,and Rinyirru belongs to him.”
The department defended its actions, stating “public safety is our top priority” and that the crocodile was removed due to “repeated and concerning behavior that was escalating.” A department spokesperson said they had “extensively monitored the crocodile after reports from the public raising safety concerns,” and noted that people were “using food to lure the animal from the water to take photos,” a practice the department considers detrimental to the crocodile and dangerous for the public.
The fate of Old Faithful remains uncertain as the Rinyirru corporation awaits the department’s justification for the removal and prepares to advocate for the crocodile’s return to its traditional habitat.
