Teens allegedly broke into Perth Zoo and hit crocodile with metal pole

Two teenage boys who allegedly broke into a crocodile enclosure at Perth Zoo and struck a crocodile with a metal pole have been charged by WA Police.

Police say the boys, aged 16 and 17, entered the zoo in South Perth around 7:15pm on Sunday and cut the locks to the crocodile enclosure.

Officers said they were captured on CCTV striking the crocodile with a metal pole, before removing the cameras from the wall.

The incident was reported to police on Monday morning.

it is not known how the pair gained access to the zoo, which was closed at the time.

Later on Monday, Police located the teenagers at separate addresses in suburban Baldivis and Belmont and took them into custody.

Each has been charged with two counts of criminal damage or destruction of property, one count of trespass and one count of animal cruelty.

They are due in Perth Children's Court today.

Zoo 'deeply disappointed'

A Perth Zoo spokesperson said staff discovered the back-of-house areas of the crocodile exhibits had been unlawfully entered.

They said the reptile in the saltwater crocodile habitat sustained "minor injuries" as a result of the incident, and a veterinary team was closely monitoring the animal and providing any treatment required.

"Animal welfare underpins everything we do at Perth Zoo, and we are deeply disappointed by this incident," the spokesperson said.

"Any unlawful intrusion into animal habitats places the welfare of our animals, as well as the safety of individuals, at risk.

"Perth Zoo has a range of security measures in place across the site including physical security controls, surveillance systems and after-hours monitoring and is reviewing the incident."