Meet Ali and Acong, young crocodiles who love lullabies

Crocodiles are not usually associated with bedtime cuddles, but two young reptiles have been challenging that image rather effectively.

They recently caught the attention of social media users after videos showed them being cradled and gently rocked by their keeper, revealing a surprisingly calm side to animals more commonly treated with caution.

Both were born at 99 Wonderland Park in Selayang, where they have been cared for since hatching. According to zoology manager Rizal Manoor, they were among about 30 eggs laid by their mother Goldie. Their father Lipis is also housed at the park.

“Goldie was laying eggs for the first time, so she had yet to learn how to arrange them properly,” Rizal said. “Of the approximately 30 eggs, only two hatched because they received the right temperature.”

Those two hatchlings became Ali and Acong.

Rizal, who has spent 18 years working with reptiles, said both crocodiles have gradually become accustomed to his presence. He regularly interacts with them to better understand their behaviour.

“When I enter their enclosure, I call out for Ali and Acong. They have grown accustomed to hearing their names,” he shared.

The resemblance between them does not extend to temperament. “Ali is easier to handle because he is calmer, while Acong is somewhat aggressive, especially when he feels uncomfortable.”

The pair also have different habits: Ali enjoys basking in the sun, while Acong prefers spending more time in the water. Rizal can tell them apart by the pattern of black spots on the backs of their necks.

This familiarity is what allows him to handle them with greater confidence, although he is careful not to present crocodiles as harmless pets.

Years of working with reptiles have left Rizal with several bite injuries, which is why he stresses that close handling requires experience and a good understanding of animal behaviour.

Their feeding routine has also changed as they have grown. “When they were small, I fed them shrimp, crickets, fish and chopped chicken. Now they can eat chicks,” Rizal revealed.

“Initially, I handfed them, but as they grew bigger, I let them find their own food.”

Ali and Acong are fed twice a week, while adult crocodiles at the park eat less frequently because of their slower digestive process.

For Rizal, demonstrations involving the animals are a way of helping visitors better understand reptiles without losing sight of the need for caution.

“When we merely talk about them, people might not really get it. But when they see the animals right in front of them, they can better understand their behaviour,” he said.

Visitors are encouraged not to shout at or tease the creatures, as sudden disturbance can startle them and provoke an aggressive response.

Rizal’s work extends beyond crocodiles to venomous snakes, lemurs, capybaras, raccoons and ostriches, but his years with reptiles have given him a particular respect for the patience the job demands.

“If you want to work with animals, you need courage and a genuine passion for them,” he concluded.

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