KEEPING a crocodile as a pet is rare and unheard of among Malaysians because the reptile is considered as dangerous and ruthless.
But it is not the case with a family from Kajang, Selangor who have been keeping six smooth-fronted Caiman crocodiles (Paleosuchus trigonatus) since 2018 in their backyard.
Crocodile Dundee is a series of action comedy films centered on a crocodile hunter named Michael J. "Crocodile" Dundee.
Met by Bernama recently, the owner of the crocodiles, Khairul Johari Mohd Denie, 38, said that he bought all six crocodiles from a licensed dealer with the Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks (Perhilitan).
The animals, whose original habitat is North America, were a year old with an estimated size of 20cm long.
He said now the crocodiles are seven years old (premature). They are estimated to be 160cm long and weigh around 15 to 20kg. They are placed in a special pond that he built himself in his yard.
Khairul Johari said his deep interest in keeping the animals started when he was a child. He was often taken by his parents to visit crocodile parks and zoos and was heavily influenced by animal activist and Australian zookeeper the late Steve Irwin, who loved crocodiles.
"There used to be a popular show, The Crocodile Hunter, which was hosted by Irwin. He had millions of viewers under his spell through his dedication to the preservation of wild animals, inspiring people all over the world including me.
"So, I chose to legally own the smooth-fronted Caiman crocodile which is categorised as a dwarf crocodile, non-aggressive, prey-type animal, and with a history of never injuring, let alone biting or eating humans," he said.
Khairul Johari, who is also an entrepreneur mentor, shares his interest through Tiktok. Many viewers are interested and curious about the nature of the reptile that is rarely kept as a pet.
On feeding the crocodiles, the father of three said that he did not spend a lot of money because he had other alternative sources of food for the crocodiles.
"For example, apart from live catfish, I also feed crocodiles with chicken parts that are not eaten and sold at grocery stores near my house such as chicken heads, legs and livers. It is high in protein and calcium for alligator diets.
"In fact, I don't feed my pet crocodiles often, once or twice a week is enough," he said adding that crocodiles like murky, still water habitats and sunlight.
Sharing the characteristics of his pet crocodiles, Khairul Johari said that he and his family can play, bathe or hug the reptiles because they have been tamed and raised together since childhood.
"When it feels threatened, it will warn by snorting or flicking its tail. It has never attacked me," he said.
Apart from the smooth-fronted Caiman crocodile, Khairul Johari also keeps several protected exotic and wild animals. They include 22 lesser whistling ducks, 22 hill mynas, two Victoria crowned pigeons, a pair of Siamese fireback birds and a giant grouper fish.
On his neighbours’ reaction to keeping his pets in the small yard of his semi-D-type house, Khairul Johari said all these animals were not released outside the house because it would be an offence to do so. Only the hill mynas are released to fly before returning home at dusk.
"It doesn't bother the neighbours. On the contrary, they enjoy bringing their children to my house to see and sometimes help feed and clean the pond or the aviary," he said.
Khairul Johari intends to open a free mini-zoo in Kuala Kangsar, Perak in future to provide an opportunity for people to get to know the various species of unique animals more closely.
Meanwhile, Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said there are only three individuals including Khairul Johari who have a valid license to keep crocodiles in the peninsula.
He said that based on the department's data, a total of 53 crocodiles of the same species were imported since 2010 for commercial purposes including those kept in zoos.
“Generally, anyone can own protected wildlife species as long as they follow the rules by applying for a licence or permit from Perhilitan and ensure that the animal must come from a legal source,” he said. – Bernama, July 16, 2023
