PREVIEW

A veteran zookeeper has sustained a head injury during a dental check-up with a crocodile.

Crocodile expert and Australian Reptile Park Operations Manager Billy Collett was attempting to restrain Elvis the saltwater crocodile in preparation for his dental examination when suddenly, the dense, wooden block that was keeping his jaw ajar, flung out and smashed into Collett’s head.

Though momentarily dazed, Billy managed to get himself and the rest of the team out of harm’s way and away from the unrestrained crocodile.

Elvis, known internationally as ‘Australia’s Crankiest Crocodile’, had been displaying signs of a dental infection and a tooth had erupted out of the bottom of his jaw.

Having experienced a similar issue in 2022 where three teeth were removed, keepers were on high alert and knew they would have to risk life and limb to capture Elvis and perform the world’s riskiest dentist visit.

The procedure began with the team wrestling Elvis to secure ropes around his jaws. Given the risks associated with anaesthesia, a muscle relaxant was administered instead, raising the stakes of the already perilous task.

In an attempt to keep Elvis’s mouth open, a sturdy wooden block was inserted between his jaws. It was at this moment, with Collett sitting on top of Elvis, that the colossal reptile gave an enormous thrashing from side to side, with keepers clinging on for dear life. With these powerful head shakes, Elvis knocked the 5kg, hardwood jaw chock loose, sending it flying into Collett’s head as he clutched to the crocodile’s head.

Collett said, “At first, I didn’t even know what had hit me – I was stunned. I’ve captured hundreds of large crocodiles over the years, but I have never felt anything like the power Elvis displayed when he started thrashing like that. I didn’t comprehend what had hit me in the head until I opened my eyes and saw that his jaws were unrestrained. At that moment, I knew I had to get myself and the team out of there immediately.

“The whole thing was over in less than 15 seconds, but it felt like an eternity. I’m so thankful to the team for reacting as quickly as they did and that we all came out in one piece.

“I had a pretty decent bump on my head after, but surely that’s the best-case scenario when you’re dealing with a half-ton croc!” he exclaimed.

After a brief reset and additional muscle relaxant, keepers successfully restrained Elvis. Head Vet Dr. Robin Crisman and specialist dentist Dr. Pete Tazawa conducted X-rays on Elvis's jaw, revealing a problematic tooth requiring immediate removal. Collett emphasised the necessity of tooth removal, noting a visible tooth growth. X-rays were crucial to identify the cause of tooth discolouration and deformities. Despite natural tooth replacement in saltwater crocodiles, they needed to ensure no systemic issues affecting tooth appearance.

"Dr. Robin found that the previous dental issues in 2022 led to abnormal tooth growth. Fortunately, the X-rays show the next set of teeth coming in perfectly," Mr Collett explained.

Elvis came to The Australian Reptile Park in 2007 from ­­­the Northern Territory where he was causing havoc to fisherman’s boats in Darwin Harbour. He has a reputation for keeping staff on their toes, so the process of catching him needed to be cautiously thought out.