It’s really eyeball-to-eyeball action when a trainer handles a crocodile weighing almost a tonne, a courageous act against the unpredictability of the wild predator that is extremely difficult to read.

For the crocodile trainer at Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi, Shamsuria Yahya, 50, the ability to read the specific movements of the reptile’s eyes is crucial when performing a show or a demonstration to wow visitors at the crocodile park.

“The skills you need to have to become a crocodile trainer are courage, patience, being adept at reading crocodile body language as well as a deep interest in the animal.

“Usually before starting the performance with the crocodiles, I would pray for my safety. During the performance, I always watch the movement of the crocodile’s eyes and be wary if the eyeball starts moving,” he told Bernama here recently.

Shamsuria, who is more affectionately known as Abang Sham, said he is aware of the great risks he will face every time he performs with crocodiles, but remains enthusiastic to deliver the best and most thrilling acts to visitors because of his interest in the animal.

The Langkawi native said the show which involves the explanation of the strength and anatomy of crocodiles is much awaited by visitors who are curious to learn about the ferocious beast.

Relating his experience as a crocodile trainer, Shamsuria said it started about 15 years ago when he had to replace a trainer who quit working at the crocodile park.

“I then learned from him how to train or tame crocodiles and became interested in the animal and I have now trained eight crocodiles here,” he said, recalling a fractured leg bone after being bitten by a crocodile a few years ago.

He said the crocodiles used for a performance must be carefully chosen, in terms of character, gender and level of aggression.

Meanwhile, Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi manager Zulhasymi Norhalim said the crocodile park now has about 3,000 crocodiles of various species including Crocodylus Novaeguinea, Crocodylus Porosus and Tomistoma Schlegelii with the largest weighing about a tonne.

“About 7,000 to 8,000 visitors come to this crocodile park every month which has various other attractions related to crocodiles.

“In addition, Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi is now also building another newest attraction which is ‘Treetopia’ which is two lookout towers built on two tree trunks,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency