Saw Crocodile Joe’s reptile show in Bury
Mon ,26/01/2009This afternoon I went with 7 year old Adele to see the show presented by Crocodile Joe. Joe and his assistants took over empty shop unit at the Mill Gate shopping centre.
Joe is Manchester’s very own crocodile catcher and a conservationist. Originally from north Manchester, he has spent many years in Australia.
He takes his show, which includes live reptiles, snakes and insects to shopping centres and schools around the country.
Whilst he is talking to the crowds, they are invited to interact with his snakes and lizards, stroking their skin or posing for photographs.
While he was living in Cairns, Australia, there was a series of attacks by one crocodile. The crocodile was caught but died a few weeks later. Joe was angered when the autopsy revealed that its stomach was filled with plastic bags.
Joe has preserved the 14 foot crocodile, which he displays at his show in order to educate people on the misuse of plastic bags, and how animals that have even outlived the dinosaurs are being put at risk.
It was a fantastic show, I’ve never seen anything like it before. It was great to see how the children were captivated by the sight – and touch – of these creatures most of which you won’t get to see anywhere else.
I’m sure the show is of great value in schools. I’m all in favour of bringing this type of real experience into the classroom – I’m sure a visit from Crocodile Joe would be worth many hours of conventional teaching.
To find out more, go to http://www.crocodilejoes.com

