Stolen baby crocodile dropped off at Queensland zoo

A stolen baby freshwater crocodile has been found thousands of kilometres from its home in Queensland, sparking an investigation.

Department of Environment and Science senior wildlife officer Tina Ball said a member of the public delivered the hatchling to a Childers zoo on May 10 and didn't leave any contact details.

"The zoo proprietor believes the freshwater crocodile was taken from the wild in the Mt Isa area a few months ago," Ms Ball said.

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"It's believed the person who dropped it off was travelling to the Sunshine Coast and was going to release it in a waterway as they didn't want it anymore."

The zoo proprietor contacted wildlife officers, and cared for the hatchling until they could collect it.

"The crocodile was observed to be active and swimming and was found to be in good health following a vet check, which is pleasing given the ordeal that it had suffered," Ms Ball said.

"A scale was removed from its tail and was sent to our scientists for a DNA test, which should determine if the animal came from the Mount Isa region."

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Ms Ball said the freshwater crocodile has been transferred to the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at Enoggera, where it is currently in quarantine.

"Unfortunately, the freshwater crocodile cannot be released to the wild because we're not sure if it was exposed to any other animals, which could potentially have exposed it to disease," she said.

"The crocodile now has a new home at the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, and it will be put on display to help educate the public about the illegal trade of wildlife."

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Freshwater crocodiles are found in the northern Queensland regions of Cape York, Townsville, and Burdekin.

It is illegal to take native animals from the wild or keep them without permits.

People who do so with a freshwater crocodile face a maximum fine of $5222.

Anybody with information about the stolen freshie, or about other illegal wildlife trading, is urged to contact wildlife officers on 1300 130 372.