One of two teenagers accused of a breaking into a crocodile enclosure has been bailed.
Perth Zoo’s four-metre-long, male saltwater crocodile Dangalabba was allegedly agitated and hit with a metal pole on Sunday night.
Police say it happened when two boys aged 16 and 17 broke into the park about 7.15pm and cut locks to access the large reptile’s enclosure.
They were each charged with two counts of criminal damage or destruction of property, trespass and animal cruelty.
The younger boy, who has been in Banksia Hill Detention Centre since being arrested, is accused of shining a flashlight at the crocodile.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges during an appearance in Perth Children’s Court on Friday, and was bailed into the care of the Department of Communities.
The court heard the ward of the state has had to move accommodation daily because the department’s care is at capacity.
The prosecution opposed his release until more permanent accommodation could be sorted but the department was put on notice to find him a placement.
The 17-year-old co-accused is yet to enter a plea, and the pair will be back in court in October.