Reptiles stolen from an Irwin Education Facility

[Katie]

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.

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[ZariusTwo]

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

[Kunoichi_Haruko]

::mutters::

[Raph's Girl]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by ZariusTwo

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

Oh snap.

[Ra]

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*

[Jo Dawn]

Originally Posted by Ra

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*

*starts watching the news in anticipation of seeing some news from Sydney*

You go, girl.

[ThirdMarioBro]

I'll drink to that. This is sickening. Head hunt time.

[Death's Head]

Any idea on how many individuals were involved in this?

[Ra]

Well, there is no need for such a panic. Maybe my evil aura stopped them in their tracks?

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SYDNEY, Australia - Dozens of reptiles, including a crocodile, stolen from an Australian animal education center established to continue the work of wildlife crusader Steve Irwin were recovered on Monday, police said.

Police said they found the reptiles stuffed in boxes in a car which had stopped at a busy intersection in Melbourne and were questioning a 21-year-old man found slumped behind the wheel.

The robbery on Sunday from the Wildlife Wonderland near Melbourne, included a 2-foot-long freshwater crocodile, two pythons, three bearded dragons and the center's entire stock of 47 blue-tongue lizards.

"The thieves have targeted specific reptiles, they knew exactly what they were looking for," Victoria police senior detective Mick Harvey said.

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

A snake and a number of lizards were still missing, according to Harvey, who speculated that the reptiles were to be sold overseas on the black market or to a private collector.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17692410/
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I'm still pretty peeved about this. The snake and lizards should be returned ASAP, or they will more than likely die. Who knows what is happening with them now...

[Raph's Girl]

Originally Posted by Ra

Police said they found the reptiles stuffed in boxes in a car which had stopped at a busy intersection in Melbourne and were questioning a 21-year-old man found slumped behind the wheel.

Thank the gods for cops stopping people at lights. They found that perv Mormon guy that way. At least they found most of the animals. Shame about the snake....i was more worried about the Croc than anything else.

[Ra]

Bah, it was a 2 foot long freshwater crocodile. What could have gone wrong?

I'm just thankful it was a freshwater and not a saltwater. Freshwaters are not as agressive and are a bit more...timid, for lack of a better word, rather than their agressive cosuins. The freshwaters are dangerous, but I'd rather the theifs take a freshwater rather than a saltwater, for the safety of both the public AND the croc. It would be like a very angry Leatherhead out in New York City

[Raph's Girl]

Originally Posted by Ra

I'm just thankful it was a freshwater and not a saltwater. Freshwaters are not as agressive and are a bit more...timid

That's why it was being used for educational purposes. I doubt they'd use a salty for that.