The photograph of the four metre crocodile was taken by Doctor Berry Zondag of the Junkuri Laka Wellesley Islands Aboriginal Law, Justice and Governance Association on Saturday, September 17. 

He took the photo from a boat looking onto Denham Island, right across from Mornington Island’s boat ramp. 

“It is quite light in colour as the photo shows. Myself, I’ve only seen two other black ones but some people say there’s now four (crocodiles) hanging about.”

Mornington Shire Council’s chief executive Frank Mills said the photograph may be of ‘Whitey’, an albino said to have haunted the community’s water supply five kilometres from the community.

It had been speculated with previous sightings, which had not been photographed, that Whitey’s rare colour was either due to a rare genetic disorder, or caused by sunburn.

 “Locals believe this may be the white crocodile spotted last year, affectionately known as Whitey, with a slightly darker look after spending the winter season in the ocean as opposed to its previous home in the fresh water storage dam,” Mr Mills said. “The four metre crocodile was sunning himself right near Dr Zondag’s yacht which is moored in the Wellesley Islands.” 

Dr Zondag was not sure himself if it was Whitey. “I don’t know about this crocodile’s name, I didn’t ask him or her for it.” 

Regardless of whether this is Whitey or not, the council issued a warning statement to local residents to be cautious around waterways. 

“These apex predators are becoming more active into the summer season ahead,” Mr Mills said, and confirmed other crocs had been seen.