Reptiles stolen from an Irwin Education Facility

*Katie* · 03-18-2007, 03:17 PM

SYDNEY, Australia (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-centimeter (2 feet) freshwater crocodile, two pythons and three bearded dragons, all requiring an owner's licence, the center's owner said.

Also reported stolen were the center'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 center'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.

============================

*ZariusTwo* · 03-18-2007, 03:40 PM

Yes. Imprisoned animals taken away against their will from places they were held in against their will. I am infuriated.

*Kunoichi_Haruko* · 03-18-2007, 03:40 PM

::mutters::

*Raph's Girl* · 03-18-2007, 05:18 PM

WTF?! Those animals are used to educate!! They are well treated and cared for by the best in the business!! Whoever stole them I hope the Croc eats ya!!

Apperantly they think the animals were stolen to be sold on the black market. That is so sad!!

*ZariusTwo* · 03-19-2007, 11:30 AM

I'd only not be supporting this if that were the case. Otherwise, if it were renegade activists, good for them.

Darn things should eating the first brat that stares at 'em.

*Cure* · 03-19-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZariusTwo

Darn things should eating the first brat that stares at 'em.

Oh snap.

Ra · 03-20-2007, 11:19 PM

AGH! I just heard about that! It really makes my blood boil. If I were living in Sydney, you'll be sure I'd be making all the effort possible to start looking for whoever was responsible for this! I really want to strangle something (or someone) now. It makes me that frickin' mad... Not only did they steal my favorite reptile species, but those animals were being used to help educate the kids of tomorrow in memory of Steve. And they need special care! If at least one of those reptiles die, there is going to be hell to pay!

*grabs her shot gun and goes to book a plane ticket to Sydney*

03-18-2007, 03:17 PM	#1
Katie Just...way too serious. Join Date: May 2005 Location: purgatory Posts: 3,519	Reptiles stolen from an Irwin Education Facility SYDNEY, Australia (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-centimeter (2 feet) freshwater crocodile, two pythons and three bearded dragons, all requiring an owner's licence, the center's owner said. Also reported stolen were the center'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 center'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. ============================ __________________ THE WORLD IS JUST AWESOME

03-18-2007, 03:40 PM	#2
ZariusTwo Overlord Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Britain, DINO THUNDER...POWER UP! Posts: 22,503	Yes. Imprisoned animals taken away against their will from places they were held in against their will. I am infuriated. __________________ Spider-Man: The Rescue Spider-Man: The Galloping Cat Spider-Man: Scarlet Mirror Doctor Who: Child of the Daleks

03-18-2007, 03:40 PM	#3
Kunoichi_Haruko A shell of a good hit! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Richmond, Va. Posts: 1,685	::mutters:: __________________

03-18-2007, 05:18 PM	#4
Raph's Girl Dierna Soul, Reporter Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jakku Posts: 10,831	WTF?! Those animals are used to educate!! They are well treated and cared for by the best in the business!! Whoever stole them I hope the Croc eats ya!! Apperantly they think the animals were stolen to be sold on the black market. That is so sad!! __________________

03-19-2007, 11:30 AM	#5
ZariusTwo Overlord Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Britain, DINO THUNDER...POWER UP! Posts: 22,503	I'd only not be supporting this if that were the case. Otherwise, if it were renegade activists, good for them. Darn things should eating the first brat that stares at 'em. __________________ Spider-Man: The Rescue Spider-Man: The Galloping Cat Spider-Man: Scarlet Mirror Doctor Who: Child of the Daleks

03-20-2007, 11:19 PM	#7
Ra It's my desire? Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: In your pants. Posts: 4,441	AGH! I just heard about that! It really makes my blood boil. If I were living in Sydney, you'll be sure I'd be making all the effort possible to start looking for whoever was responsible for this! I really want to strangle something (or someone) now. It makes me that frickin' mad... Not only did they steal my favorite reptile species, but those animals were being used to help educate the kids of tomorrow in memory of Steve. And they need special care! If at least one of those reptiles die, there is going to be hell to pay! grabs her shot gun and goes to book a plane ticket to Sydney __________________ "So. The whole lot of you against little old me? How retarded."