A CROCODILE-CRAZY teenager travelled from Australia to be reunited with his favourite reptile at Dudley Zoo.

Will Rennison, aged 15, was just nine when he adopted an African dwarf crocodile and named her Crikey, the trademark expression of his hero, the late Steve Irwin.

Since emigrating to Perth two years ago, Will has kept in touch with keepers and a visit to the UK gave him the chance to drop in and say g’day to Crikey.

Will said: “As far as I can remember I have always loved crocodiles. When I was younger I liked them because they were exciting and not a fluffy pet like a dog, and I feel the same now.

“I hope to study at university in Australia and my ambition is to be a reptile keeper.”

Will flew back to the UK with parents Steve and Sarah and younger sister Izzy, aged nine, to attend a surprise 60th birthday party for Steve's mum Elaine, who lives in Sedgley.

And during the stay mum Sarah contacted the zoo's Head of Reptiles, Graham Chilton, to arrange a reunion with Crikey, who is now ten years old and a metre and a half long.

Graham said: “Will is going to be Steve Irwin the second! From an early age he was always enthusiastic and dedicated with the reptiles, now is he is confident with them too."