WATCH VIDEO: Favourite croc back in old stomping ground
Shire tourism
The king of the Mowbray River has returned to claim his throne back.
Dominant male crocodile King Mo the 3rd was last week spotted at the popular tourist croc-spotting location after spending up to a year away - he was identified close to 50km away at the Daintree River in July by tour operator David White.
He was last seen by Mr White up that way in the middle of this month.
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“To think he went past all the beaches and no one noticed,” Mr White said on Friday.
“Many people have messaged me very excited to have their Mo back home.
“He brings a lot of joy to people.”
Mr White said another croc called Brayden had moved into the Mowbray River in Mo’s absence, and “even had a fling with Mo’s long-time partner Mrs Mo”.
“Why (Mo) ever left the Mowbray is a big mystery and (I) have more questions than answers,” Mr White said.
In July, Mr White identified Mo in the Daintree River, where he has reportedly been paying visits since late last year.
“After months of playing detective, we can finally confirm the mystery croc,” Mr White stated at the time.
“(He) was none other than Mo 3rd, the reigning heavyweight from the Mowbray River.”
After arriving in the Daintree, he immediately started fighting with dominant male Scarface.
Scarface retreated from the fight with a ruptured abscess, Mr White said, but later returned and chased Mo off until he returned again in May.