Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-19/crocodile-cowboys-indigenous-rights-and-australia-zoo/106464376

When a massive Queensland crocodile known as Old Faithful was transferred to Australia Zoo last November, the Irwin-owned park announced it was proud to become the animal's "forever home", and the state government welcomed the move as a public safety success story.

But a 7.30 investigation has raised questions about the conduct of the state's crocodile catchers, including how the decision was made to capture the culturally significant animal and whether they followed their own laws.

Traditional owners in Cape York, who should have been consulted about his removal, maintain Old Faithful's capture was a "wrongful arrest" carried out by "cowboys".

Chief among their concerns are allegations that they were misled and excluded from key decisions affecting culture and Country. So much so that lawyers from the Environmental Defenders Office are considering lodging a human rights complaint.