53 Reptiles Stolen From Wildlife Park

MELBOURNE, Australia – Thieves stole a baby crocodile and more than 50 snakes and lizards from an Australian wildlife park, officials said.

Jason Watson, owner of the Wildlife Wonderland park in southern Victoria state, said workers found reptile tanks raided on Sunday morning. A 23-inch freshwater crocodile, 47 blue tongue lizards, three bearded dragons and two pythons were missing.

Watson said the animals were worth 20,000 Australian dollars ($16,000).

"I feel physically sick," Watson said. "It’s like they have stolen my kids."

Victoria police spokeswoman Creina O’Grady the thieves may have stolen the animals to sell to collectors.