Confessions of a Crocodile lifer

            Exactly why does an individual in the private sector choose to keep one of the world’s largest predators captive? In all honesty it’s a very good question that quite frankly may not have a good answer. For many we could start and end the discussion with the specter of bravado. But this is a fleeting reason and we’re talking about those serious enough about their crocodile’s to make sacrifices in other areas of their life. The former exist and in fact likely comprise a significant percentage of the crocodiles sold in the modern pet trade but they buy and drop out with equal speed. What about those who want an animal that is easy and cheap to keep? Nile crocodiles certainly don’t fit this category. Between housing, feeding, and heating the animals are far from inexpensive. Likewise they are not easy animals to deal with and in fact large Nile crocodiles are out and out dangerous. So what does that leave as a reason for keeping these remarkable animals? This is a question I imagine most long term keepers of any large, potentially dangerous predator be it lion, tiger, bear, or crocodile ask on occasion. I’ll admit every once in awhile when I’m looking at the bottom line and planning ahead for new enclosures or paying increased heating bills during winter I ask myself ‘why am I doing this?’ It’s not an easy question to answer. And I think it’s a question all legitimate crocodilian keepers should ask themselves from time to time. You’ll hear the same line of thinking from those who keep primates, big cats, bears, and many other animals. Even more conventional pet owners aren’t immune from the questions.

            For me the answer is not to be found in any other avenue other than pure fascination. I’m a lifer. I simply love the fact that every single day that I exist on this planet I am able to see and interact with an animal as storied as the Nile crocodile. What a privilege! Some may not see it this way but I do. Even though I own my crocodiles in some way they also own me. They are a part of me. Everyday I rise and check on them to ensure they made it through the night unharmed. This brief morning checkup is as much a part of my routine as brushing my teeth. I read about crocs, watch videos about crocs, and own a business that is centered on crocodiles. My interest in crocs and other reptiles led to my college degree and my current career. I have traveled to see crocodiles, written books and articles on crocodiles, and made many of my closest friends through crocodiles and other reptiles. The crocodiles I own I have raised since their infancy. They are lifelong family members and when one passes I am saddened. When one owns a crocodile long term you experience the animal on such an intimate level that you notice small and oftentimes indiscernible behaviors you otherwise would have missed. These little nuances are what enable a person to really understand the animals they maintain. Some of my crocodiles like fish, others tolerate it. Some enjoy prepared diets; one will immediately spit out any food with even a dusting of the material. One will not eat food if it’s not of the correct size. The list goes on and on. These aspects add character and personality to the animal.

I am always amused when people ask ‘Why do you keep crocodiles? All they do is lie around and they never move.’ In my mind crocodiles are active, vigorous animals with discernable personalities that fully come to recognize their owner and routine. The critics are correct to some degree they also lounge around basking a great deal but even then they are fascinating in the way they move around an enclosure searching for the correct temperature. With crocodiles it’s rarely as simple as it seems. They are masters of subtlety. So what is it like to maintain an animal that a person once snorted ‘You keep Nile crocodiles? Why not keep a Great White shark in your bathtub?’ In short the experience is awesome, tiresome, often exhausting, fascinating, scary, dangerous, stimulating, but most of all special. On any given day it can be any combination but it is never boring. I’m a lifer it’s in my blood now.