CROCODILE WEARS GIRDLE AFTER SURGERY AT REPTILE PARK NEAR SYDNEY, 2000-03-31 (photo)

Veterinarian Mike Cannon (L), park owner John Weigel (C) and visitor Eden Gaha (R) look over the girdle made by a tent maker that Eric, a sedated five metre-long saltwater crocodile wears after surgery at The Australian Reptile Park north of Sydney March 31. The 50-year-old crocodile, weighing 500 kilograms, had part of his back right foot amputated due to calcification from 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 which will restrict the movement of his leg until recovered from his surgery in about a month's time. MDB/PB