CROCODILES bred in the Territory are being sold through specialised pet shops in Adelaide to eager members of the public.
The crocs, supplied by Darwin's Crocodylus Park, are flown down south in specially designed PVC piping containers with air holes and a wooden base.
Crocodylus Park chief scientist Charlie Manolis said one or two hatchlings were sold interstate each month.
"We sell them mostly to individuals and pet stores in South Australia and Victoria due to legal requirements for permits," he said.
Each state has different regulations which limit the ability for a prospective croc customer.
In the Territory, residents in urban areas can only own the reptiles until they reach 60cm.
In contrast, owners in South Australia can look after their leathery friends irrespective of size after an inspection by the Environment and Heritage Department.
Gavin Foreman, owner of pet store Scales and Tails in Adelaide, regularly orders crocs from Crocodylus Park and says they're becoming more popular.
"I've been breeding and selling freshwater crocodiles for 13 years," he said.
"I used to keep four or five in the store's showroom but now I order them in on demand due to space limitations."
