Prince Harry in boat
IN PHOTO: Britain's Prince Harry leaves by waka for the Union boat club during his visit to Whanganui, May 14, 2015. Prince Harry is on a week-long tour of New Zealand. Reuters/Anthony Phelps

Prince Harry’s visit to Australia was a wild one as he helped out park officials catch a crocodile trapped in Darwin Harbour with his bare hands. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, or ABC, reports that the royal was in Northern Territory in April training with the Australian army.

Prince Harry seemed relaxed when he helped the Crocodile Management Team haul a 3.1-metre crocodile into their boat with jaws tape shut, as reported by wildlife ranger Erin Britton. According to her, the royal would “make a great croc catcher.” Prince William’s younger brother did a wonderful job as he let out his inner “Steve Irwin.”

Several photos of the prince’s croc adventure were released May 16 on the NT Parks and Wildlife Commission Facebook page. In one of the pictures, the royal was seen straddling the beast and pulling on the rope that tightens its mouth shut.

Bess Price, Minister for the commission was thrilled to have the royal visitor, especially that he had made time for the Crocodile Management Team despite his busy schedule, the page stated. The territory rangers are the best people to handle crocodile management, according to price. “It is a true reflection of their excellent reputation that they were trusted to give Prince Harry such a hands-on experience,” she said.

Everyone in the team found Prince Harry to be a pleasant person. Britton found him to be “approachable” and “easy to chat with.” “There's no doubt he enjoyed the experience, taking plenty of photos with a huge smile,” she said.

Park rangers in Northern Territory eradicate crocs that find access to the waterways normally used for fishing and boating to avoid the risk of injuries and fatalities. According to NT’s Parks and Wildlife Commission, over 200 crocodiles commonly found in the tropical north of the country are taken out from Darwin Harbour every year, either to be killed or taken to crocodile farms for breeding.

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