Found, croc brought to Wales after WWI – and hidden under school’s f loorboards
THE impressive remains of a 120-year-old saltwater crocodile have been presented to delighted pupils – after being hidden under the school floorboards for decades.
The reptile, which dates back to the 19th century, was restored after workmen discovered it in June 2019.
A story about a crocodile being hidden in the South Wales school has been told across many generations. The tale describes how a local man who served in the First World War brought back the body of a crocodile as a souvenir.
It is thought that the animal was put on display at the Rhondda school – Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bodringallt – but it was then stored beneath the floorboards to protect it.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council worked with Welsh company Pure Conservation to restore the remains. The crocodile had suffered significant damage – its entire underside was missing, along with its feet and the base of its tail, and its teeth had fallen out. The body was initially frozen to remove pests and was tested for dangerous materials.
It was then cleaned and vacuumed to remove dirt, cobwebs and soil, and loose teeth were replaced in the sockets.
The work was completed just before Christmas and the crocodile was put on display last week.
Councillor Joy Rosser described the discovery as ‘absolutely incredible’. She added: ‘It was the last thing workmen thought they’d find underneath a classroom... It was fantastic to see the excited look on pupils’ faces when they saw the crocodile on display.’ She said it was a ‘one-of-a-kind, real piece of local history’.
Saltwater crocodiles, the largest reptiles, can grow up to 23ft and weigh up to 2,200lb. They are mainly found in north Australia and south-east Asia.