Can he tip the scales? Search for world’s largest crocodile is on

LOCAL wildlife crusader Dingo Dinkelman is on a mission to find the world’s largest crocodile, and he is calling on the community to help. The search will form part of Dinkleman’s next YouTube series.

Dinkleman is now calling on anyone who knows of a big croc to contact him.

“I’ve been to a number of parks looking for the biggest fella, and have even travelled to Florida to measure the biggest Nile Crocodile kept in the US, but I’m confident the largest guy will be around southern Africa somewhere,“ said Dinkleman.

In particular, Dinkleman is looking for a Nile crocodile named Albert who lived around Sun City years ago.

ALSO READ: See the wild side with adventurer, Dingo Dinkelman

“I’m desperately trying to find him. I’m also looking at some farms in Botswana, Zimbabwe, the North West and Limpopo. I’m calling on anyone who knows of a crocodile measuring around 5 metres or more to get in touch, and we’ll go on the prowl,“ he said.

If successful, the quest will ‘croc’ his world.

“Of the 27 recorded species of crocodilians found around the world, Nile Crocodiles are my favourite. Working with them is like being close to a T-Rex. They are incredible machines that are beautiful, fierce, frightening and nurturing all at the same time, and to find the largest Nile crocodile will be a highlight of my life,“ added the YouTube sensation.

While Dinkleman has travelled to various locations on the continent, he suspects the largest croc is probably 100 years old or more – most likely living in captivity in a large croc farm.

“Wild crocs don’t always get optimum opportunities to feed and are affected by weather conditions more than captive crocs. Those in captivity should be receiving food more regularly, and should have more consistent environmental conditions which are the ideal recipe to producing larger specimens,“ said Dinkleman.

ALSO READ: Go wild, learn about farm life with Dingo Kids channel

Top Contenders

So far, Dinkleman’s top contenders to be measured include:

Hannibal from Crocodile Creek on the KZN North Coast;
Henry and Colgate from Crocworld Conservation Centre on the KZN South Coast; and
Lyle the Nile Crocodile who is the biggest crocodile in the United States at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida.

Fast facts about Nile crocodiles:

Here are a few fun facts Dinkleman shared.

• While Nile crocodiles are the second-longest crocodile in the world after the saltwater croc, they have the bulk to make them the heaviest reptile on the planet.
• They have the strongest bite force of any animal in the world. Their diet consists of antelope, buffalo, young hippos, and large cats.
• Female Nile crocodiles are excellent mothers – they usually lay between 25 and 80 eggs.
  (sources: www.krugerpark.co.za, www.nationalgeographic.com)

Contact Dinkleman via email: admin@dingowild.com.

To follow his journey, search for ‘Dingo Dinkelman’ on social media or ‘Dingo Dinkelman Reloaded’ on YouTube or visit www.dingowild.com

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