Crocodile Eats 5-Year-Old Boy, Parents Want the Animal Spared

The parents of a 5-year-old Australian boy who was eaten by a 14-foot-long crocodile have asked authorities not to euthanize the animal, presumably recognizing that the crocodile was merely protecting its river home from an intruder.

The parents run a crocodile sight-seeing business, so it seems that they must understand that the animal is not vicious or sick. The animal will be sent to a zoo or park, but unfortunately will not be released back into the wild.

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Authorities found the remains of the boy after capturing the crocodile and surgically examining its stomach contents.

Crocodiles have been protected under federal law in Australia since 1971, but they can be killed if they’re deemed a threat to humans. While the parents have not responded to any media requests for comments, authorities made it clear that it was their wish to keep the crocodile alive.

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