What a croc: Tim's risky dip for Elvis in long weekend return to work

I AM THE DANGER: Elvis the cranky crocodile had Mr Faulkner on edge during his repair job in the enclosure.

IF you thought heading back to work after the long weekend was tough, spare a thought for Australian Reptile Park general manager Tim Faulker.

Mr Faulkner began his Tuesday entering the pool of five-metre estuarine crocodile Elvis to fix a gap keepers feared could injure the huge predator.

Safety precautions included a rope around Mr Faulkner's waist and keepers distracting the 500-kilogram reptile while Mr Faulkner got into the water.

"I'd be lying if I said my heart wasn't racing," Mr Faulkner said.

"With an animal as dangerous as Elvis, we needed to take every safety precaution necessary to ensure I could go home to my family afterward."

Head of reptiles Daniel Rumsey said Mr Faulkner's concern was warranted.

DANGER DIVER: Australian Reptile Park general manager Tim Faulkner repairing a gap in crocodile Elvis' enclosure that had previously injured the predator. The rope notified him if Elvis was on the move. Pictures: Australian Reptile Park

"Elvis is known as Australia's crankiest crocodile for a reason; he's taken down boats in Darwin Harbour, female crocs, lawnmowers and the occasional pool scoop," he said.

"I'm glad it was Tim in the water and not me."