PREVIEW

A 500kg behemoth of a crocodile has marked his 58th birthday in style.

Elvis, a resident at the Australian Reptile Park, astounded visitors with his immense strength as keepers treated him to a quarter of a cow for the significant milestone birthday.

The crocodile, measuring 4.75 metres in length, swiftly emerged from the water, seized the substantial carcass, and executed the world-renowned "death-roll" to claim his prize.

Elvis garnered global attention back in 2011 when he devoured his keeper's lawnmower, earning him the title of "Australia's Crankiest Crocodile." Since then, numerous videos featuring Elvis have gone viral online, endearing him to fans worldwide.

On Elvis's birthday morning, spectators gathered around the crocodile's enclosure, witnessing him charge out of the water and engage in an epic tug-of-war with four of the Reptile Park's keepers. After firmly securing the meat, Elvis initiated a colossal death-roll, effortlessly tearing off a massive 30kg portion from the cow carcass. Satisfied with his treat, he vigorously shook his head to dismantle the meat.

Billy Collett, Operations Manager at the Australian Reptile Park, commented on the hazardous spectacle, remarking, "Elvis was absolutely fired up. Once he burst out of the water, he swiftly latched onto that carcass and showed no intention of letting go! Then, the death-rolling commenced, taking the show to an entirely new level."

Collett added, "Providing him with this type of food offers exceptional enrichment. In the wild, he would easily subdue prey of this size, so giving him this treat allows him to emulate natural behaviours he would employ in his native habitat."

Elvis arrived at the Australian Reptile Park in 2011, hailing from the Northern Territory, where he had been causing havoc to fishermen's boats in Darwin Harbour. Due to his reputation for keeping staff on their toes, the process of offering him such a substantial food item must be carefully planned.

Elvis the crocodile serves as an ambassador for saltwater crocodiles and is one of the Australian Reptile Park's most beloved animals.

Saltwater crocodiles were once hunted to the brink of extinction in Australia. However, following their legal protection in QLD, NT, and WA, their populations have made a remarkable recovery, leading to their classification as "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.