(Northern Territory) A saltwater crocodile has made a dramatic rescue after his mate was involved in an unprovoked attack by a human male in the Litchfield National Park near Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory.
The rescue took place when Crocky, 98, leapt to the defence of his mate, Sheila, 74, after the human male jumped onto her back in order to have his photograph taken. The human's female companion stood laughing on the riverbank.
She was later eaten by other crocodiles.
Local residents told police that the human, known locally as Crocodile 'Mick' Dundee, swam away and fled downstream after the attack, but would doubtless 'be back'. The area is notorious for attacks on animals and aquatic creatures by humans, and warning signs have been posted all along this stretch of the river by the authorities.
Crocky is an old acquaintance of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter murdered by Stingray two years ago. He spoke to reporters to say that he acted instinctively, and would do it all over again to save the life of his mate.
"I love her", he said, "even though she can be a bit snappy with me sometimes."
