Eric, a five metre-long saltwater crocodile who is sedated, has his jaws tied by park owner John Weigel, before an operation at The Australian Reptile Park north of Sydney March 31. The crocodile, weighing 500 kilograms, had part of his back right foot amputated due to calcification - an injury sustained when bitten by another crocodile over a decade ago in the Northern Territory. Due to his bad temper, Eric was evicted to live a solitary life at the award-winning park where he will wear a girdle until recovered from his surgery in about a month's time.

MDB/PB