Prince George, 3-day-old royal baby gets gift, a crocodile

Melbourne, July 26: Britain's new royal baby, Prince George, has got an unusual first 'pet' - a tiny crocodile - gifted by an Australian state. The baby crocodile is not just any reptile - it has a special connection with the little prince. It was born from an egg that was laid on the same day the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced they were having a baby.

"The croc will be named George in honour of the Royal baby and is a fitting Territory gift for a future king," said Chief Minister of Northern Territory, Adam Giles. The crocodile will live at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin city and complete a 'Royal set' there.

"Two adult crocs were named in honour of Prince William and Kate Middleton when they became engaged. Now Darwin has baby George to make a Royal Flush," Giles said in a statement.

The gift continues the connection between the Territory and the Royal Family.

"Prince William came to the Territory on his very first overseas trip in 1983. He visited Alice Springs with Prince Charles and Princess Diana when he was just a baby. We hope he'll follow in his parents' footsteps and bring his own son Down Under very soon," Giles said.

Crocodile George hatched on February 21 this year, and currently weighs 410 grams and measures 51cm long. He could grow up to five or six metres long and weigh up to a tonne, AAP news agency reported.

However, this isn't the first crocodile given to a member of the Royal Family. Baby Prince Andrew (later Duke of York) was once given a crocodile as a gift from Gambia.

"Until the young Prince can visit in person, we've set up a Facebook page for him to keep an eye on Crocodile George from afar. The public can also keep track of the croc's progress," Giles said.

Prince George, third in line to the British throne, was born in London on Monday. Yesterday, it was announced that the royal baby has been named 'George Alexander Louis'.

PTI