A juvenile crocodile discovered in a park has been safely captured by reptile experts.
About 4.30pm on Saturday 28 February 2026, officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to Federal Park, Wallsend, following reports a crocodile was found in a waterway in the park.
Police attended and found a juvenile crocodile in the water.
Attending police formed a perimeter around the pond to prevent the reptile escaping and keep onlookers at a safe distance.
It is unknown how long the crocodile had been in the water or how it arrived there.
About 8.30pm, animal handling specialists from a reptile park were called in to retrieve the animal, with assistance from SES; however, efforts were unsuccessful that night.
The replite specialists returned again today (Sunday 1 March 2026) and were able to safely capture the animal.
There were no injuries and no further crocodiles have been located in the area.