Last week, a boatload of tourists experienced an unforgettable moment south of Darwin when they encountered a 5.5m saltwater crocodile named Brutus…and yes, it’s real.
NT News photographer Katrina Bridgeford captured this incredible image of Brutus on the Adelaide River, just over 100km from Darwin, just last week.
Accompanying Ms. Bridgeford on the cruise were her sons, Jordan, 14, and Dylan Woodward, 11, from Sydney, NSW, her four-year-old niece Skye Bridgeford, and her boyfriend Daniel Wilson.
When the enormous man-eater surfaced before them, Dylan could only exclaim, “Holy crap!”
Missing its right front leg, this gigantic saltwater crocodile has become a crowd favorite during the Adelaide River Jumping Croc Cruises, as he eagerly devours buffalo meat and consistently puts on an impressive display.
“There were many oohs and aahs and ‘oh my god’,” Ms. Bridgeford recalled.
“I never anticipated anything like this. It was astonishing how close it came to us. You could have touched it if you reached out your hand.”
The jumping crocodile cruises have become a significant tourist draw in the Territory, with multiple operators offering their services along the crocodile-rich Adelaide River.
However, Brutus doesn’t always have an easy time.
According to cruise operator Harry Bowman, this 80-year-old crocodile lost his front leg in a shark attack.
It must have been quite a massive shark.
by Robbo Green
