There was A Little Less Conversation and more Burning Love instead as the country’s crankiest saltwater crocodile Elvis celebrated his 60th birthday this week.
And, to mark the occasion, the popular reptile tore into half a cow at the Australian Reptile Park, located just an hour from Newcastle.
Zookeepers presented The Devil In Disguise with a massive carcass, providing powerful enrichment that closely mimics how crocs hunt and feed in the wild.
All Shook Up by his present, Elvis showed a raw, explosive display of strength, which reminded everyone why he holds the title of “Australia’s Crankiest Crocodile”.
At an incredible 4.8 metres long and weighing an estimated 500 kilograms, he’s one of the largest saltwater crocs in captivity.
He also wasted no time putting his strength to work.
As three keepers clung tightly to a rope attached to the carcass, Elvis launched from the water in a short but intense game of tug-of-war, a carefully managed technique designed to replicate a natural kill.
Once he had secured his prize, he unleashed his signature move, the death roll, effortlessly ripping off chunks of meat, before violently thrashing his head to finish the job.
“Elvis was absolutely fired up,” park manager Billy Collet said.
“Once he shot out of the water, he quickly grabbed onto that carcass… and there was no letting go.
“Then the death-rolling started, taking the show to a whole new level.”
Mr Collett added the style of feeding played a critical role in Elvis’ wellbeing.
“Giving him this type of food provides excellent enrichment for him,” he said.
“In the wild, he would easily take down prey this large.
“So, this allows him to mimic the natural behaviours he’d use every day.”
Elvis first gained worldwide fame in 2011 after eating his keeper’s lawnmower, an incident that earned him international headlines and his now-legendary nickname.
Since then, videos of him have repeatedly gone viral, including footage of him destroying a pool pump during enclosure cleaning.
The Australian Reptile Park is open daily from 9am until 5pm with free parking and BBQ facilities.
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