Australian park robbed of costly reptiles
MELBOURNE, March 18 (UPI) -- The Wildlife Wonderland park in the Australian town of Bass has been robbed, with thieves making off with a valuable load of 14 reptiles.
The Melbourne Herald Sun reported that while the reptiles could earn the thieves a fortune on the black market, park officials are concerned that the animals could die without proper care.
"I would hate it if any of them are mistreated or if they are just left in a bath tub," park co-owner Darren Tilley said. "If they don't receive their special requirements they will die slow and painful deaths."
The animals were taken Saturday from the park's nature education center, that was created to memorialize Australian wildlife expert Steve Erwin.
Police from the nearby town of Wonthaggi said the thieves appear to have had knowledge of the reptiles' true value, but added that he hoped they knew how to care for them as well.
"I hope these people know what they're doing because we are worried about the welfare of these animals," Wonthaggi senior detective Mick Harvey told the Herald Sun.
United Press International - NewsTrack - Australian park robbed of costly reptiles
