RCReptiles.com

[RonCrawford]

Crocodile, lizards stolen from Irwin center
Sun Mar 18, 2:01 AM ET



SYDNEY (Reuters) - More than 50 reptiles, including a crocodile, were stolen from an Australian animal education center established to continue the work of wildlife crusader Steve Irwin.

The haul from the Wildlife Wonderland near Melbourne, included a 60-centimetre (2 feet) freshwater crocodile, two pythons and three bearded dragons, all requiring an owner's license, the centre's owner said.

Also reported stolen were the centre's entire stock of 47 blue-tongue lizards.

"These animals were used to educate children and to keep Steve Irwin's legacy alive. I feel sick over this," the centre's proprietor Darren Tilley told Reuters.

He said the animals were discovered missing on Sunday morning, suggesting a late-night or early morning break in.

"We don't know how they transported all these animals. I'm very concerned, these reptiles need special care, lighting and food," Tilley said.

The center was opened days after Steve Irwin, known worldwide by his television show moniker, the Crocodile Hunter, was fatally pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef on September 4 last year.

Police spokeswoman Kathy Stone said the reptiles could be sold on the black market to collectors.

"We're not sure at this stage, there are no leads," Stone said.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070318/wl_nm/reptiles_australia_irwin_dc_1

[PyMama]

That really stinks!!!!!!!!!

I hope they find these people and cage them for life.

Sorry...angry here as well!

[deborahbroadus]

I agree. There is a special place in hell reserved for people of this ilk.

[milan mathis]

That really sucks

[TAZMOM]

speechless

[lezgo ballin]

sob's

[Buck_99]

For folks in the breeding business or planning to be in the breeding business, this reinforces the need to take security very seriously.

There's a reality show on cable (sorry, can't remember the name of it or the network, and can't seem to find it online) about breaking into people's homes and stealing things. It's two ex-cons who break into people's homes (with their permission), document the whole thing on video, show the video to the "victims", offer consulting advice to better secure the premises, and then try to do it again, usually unsuccessfully. Anyway, if you can find it, watch it and it will open your eyes to how these people think, how much they can walk (drive) away with in a very small amount of time, and steps you can take to keep it from happening to you.

Brings up another question: your snakes get stolen, you go to a show, and you see a snake for sale that looks suspiciously like one of yours. How do you prove it?

[lezgo ballin]

microchip i guess

dont think the snake will stay still long enough for me to burn my initials in it like i used to do w/ my old cassets

[Jordan700]

Is the show called "It Takes a Thief"? I think its on TLC.

[TAZMOM]

yes jordan i think your correct.

[deborahbroadus]

[deborahbroadus]

[NickMyers03]

ok so who is now scared to go near deb? ....

[lindsey_marshall00]

wow Deb, and if that did not work I guess you could train a snake to attack.... good luck!

my question is... with all the security, have you had a break in b4?

[Moshi]

We just have four dogs that bark at anything and everything. I'll be sure to call before I come over to your house, Deb.