Darwin's newest tourist attraction

I got this sent to me in an e-mail. I would so want to do this!!! It's definitely my idea of fun!!!



The theme park's 'cage of death' that drops tourists into a
crocodile's lair.

Without the cage you wouldn't stand a chance swimming with a massive saltwater crocodile.

But for brave punters who still want to get cosy with a feisty croc, a new Australian tourist attraction is offering the chance for a close encounter in the safety of a clear acrylic box dubbed the 'cage of death'.

Just 4cm of acrylic, a pair of goggles and a swimsuit, will separate thrill-seekers from the jaws of Choppa, a saltwater crocodile.
 
The cage has no bars, unlike cages used in shark dives, which prevents the reptiles from gripping on but deep teeth scratches are visible on the sides, deterring some hesitant participants.

Top End tourists climb into the clear box before being lowered into Choppa's lair.
 
They then spend 15 minutes inside the 9ft high cage and watch Choppa, who lost both front feet while fighting other crocodiles, trying to take a bite out of them.

The attraction at Crocosaurus Cove in the heart of the city of Darwin in the Northern Territory has been given high marks by adrenaline-junkies.


Face-to-face: The experience is made even more thrilling for tourists because the cage has no bars.

Saltwater crocodiles, known locally as "salties," are the largest crocodile species, with the males growing up to 6m long and weighing up to 1000Kg.

They are found in across Southeast Asia but the highest numbers are found in northern Australia .

Michael Scott, who opened the attraction in July, said there was plenty of demand for the A$ 65 thrill.

'In the Northern Territory , the saltwater crocodile is an icon and is part of our life.  They are always in the news, either in someone's swimming pool or killing someone's favourite horse,' Mr Scott said.


Hunting for food: Up to two people are allowed in the cage at the one time.

The most famous crocodile to be housed at the park is Burt, who starred as the beast that nearly ate Linda Koslowski's character in Crocodile Dundee.

Although saltwater crocodiles are dangerous, fatal attacks on humans are rare in Australia with only one or two reported a year.



Swimming face-to-face with a massive saltwater crocodile might not be everyone's idea of fun but thrill-seekers are snapping up Australia 's newest tourist attraction.

However, having read this, I'm not sure I'd want to pay $65AUD for the pleasure and privilege of swimming with a croc for only 15 minutes. But I think it would be fun nonetheless, you'd know you're alive, that's for sure!!!