12-Year-Old Girl Killed in Crocodile Attack Sparks Debate on Crocodile Safety in Northern Territory
A tragic incident at Mango Creek near Nganmarriyanga leads to calls for crocodile population management after a 12-year-old girl’s fatal encounter with a crocodile.
A 12-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a crocodile attack while swimming at Mango Creek near the remote Aboriginal community of Nganmarriyanga, also known as Palumpa, approximately 360 kilometers southwest of Darwin, Northern Territory. The incident occurred on Tuesday, with the girl last seen swimming with family members.
Extreme distress and shock were expressed by NT Police Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson, who confirmed the discovery of the girl’s partial remains after a 36-hour search involving land, air, and water efforts. An extended family member, Jade Walker, shared condolences and grief through social media.
This fatal incident has prompted discussions about crocodile safety and population management in the Northern Territory. Chief Minister Eva Lawler emphasized the need to control the crocodile population, which has surged since the species became protected under Australian law in the 1970s, growing from 3,000 to 100,000.
The government recently approved a 10-year crocodile management plan, allowing targeted culling in popular swimming spots. This comes in response to the increasing presence of large crocodiles due to their long lifespan and continuous growth.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and trap the crocodile responsible for the attack. Authorities stress the importance of adhering to crocodile safety guidelines to prevent such tragedies.
