Perth Zoo has farewelled its Estuarine Crocodile Simmo.
Camera IconPerth Zoo has farewelled its Estuarine Crocodile Simmo. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

RIP Simmo: Perth Zoo farewells its crocodile

Staff WriterSouthern Gazette

NO ONE can accuse zookeepers of crying crocodile tears after Simmo, one of the oldest animals at Perth Zoo, died yesterday.

The estuarine crocodile was estimated to be around 70-years-old, the typical life expectancy for this species.

He measured 4.75 metres in length and tipped the scales at 500kg.

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Simmo had recently been unwell and was being closely monitored by his keepers and vets.

A Perth Zoo spokesperson said it was suspected that he had gastrointestinal issues, as he had started to refuse his food.

Like many other reptiles, Simmo required little to no food during the cooler seasons, but his feedings were set to increase when the weather warmed up.

Simmo’s feeding sessions provided visitors the opportunity to see the world’s largest living reptile species in action. At his prime, he could launch himself two metres in the air.

He arrived at the zoo in March 1998, following his removal from Darwin Harbour by wildlife officers who had public safety concerns.

Before coming to the Zoo he spent several years at other wildlife parks, including Janamba Crocodile facility in the Northern Territory.

Simmo had a reputation for displaying anti-social behaviour, resisting any attempts to be introduced to a mate.

Once it became apparent that Simmo preferred the bachelor life he was moved to Perth Zoo.

He was housed in his own ‘bachelor pad’ that included a heated pool and artificial turf, soft enough to protect the underside of his feet and belly.

Despite the very best care, Simmo’s health deteriorated quickly. His well-being was always of great importance in the decades that he spent at Perth Zoo, right up until the end.