IRWIN WILDLIFE CENTRE STOLEN ANIMALS RECOVERED

A wildlife centre in Australia dedicated to keeping CROCODILE HUNTER STEVE IRWIN's animal-loving legacy alive has recovered around 50 reptiles stolen from the site yesterday (18MAR07). A crocodile, two pythons, three bearded dragons and 47 blue-tongued lizards were taken from the Wildlife Wonderland, near Melbourne, but were found nearby earlier today (19MAR07). Police discovered the animals in boxes in a car on a Melbourne road, and are currently questioning a 21-year-old who was at the wheel of the vehicle. Policeman MICK HARVEY says, "The thieves have targeted specific reptiles, they knew exactly what they were looking for." Wildlife Wonderland boss DARREN TILLEY adds, "These animals were used to keep Steve's legacy alive." Wildlife Wonderland was opened in the week after Irwin's death in September last year (07).