This is part two of a two-part series. Start with Part 1: The true cost of crocodile skin.

The lucrative Australian crocodile skin industry has always sold its conservation credentials – arguing that by farming the animals, they were ensuring the future of the species. 

Two prominent scientists, using successful media businesses to promote research which showed those benefits, gave credibility to an industry worth 100 million dollars.

Their work also reportedly underpinned Northern Territory and Queensland legislation regulating the industry.

But when one of these scientists was exposed as one of the worst animal abusers in Australian history, everything about crocodile farming was called into question.

Today we go inside the Darwin jail cell where that scientist now resides, and hear about the reckoning inside the controversial crocodile industry. 

This episode was originally published in August. 

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

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Guest: Award-winning journalist Katherine Wilson

Photo: AAP Image/Paul Miller

Background reading: https://www.themonthly.com.au/august-2025/essays/skin-game

This is part two of a two-part series. Start with Part 1: The true cost of crocodile skin.
The lucrative Australian crocodile skin industry has always sold its conservation credentials &ndash; arguing that by farming the animals, they were ensuring the future of the species.&nbsp;
Two prominent scientists, using successful media businesses to promote research which showed those benefits, gave credibility to an industry worth 100 million dollars.
Their work also reportedly underpinned Northern Territory and Queensland legislation regulating the industry.
But when one of these scientists was exposed as one of the worst animal abusers in Australian history, everything about crocodile farming was called into question.
Today we go inside the Darwin jail cell where that scientist now resides, and hear about the reckoning inside the controversial crocodile industry.&nbsp;
This episode was originally published in August.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Award-winning journalist Katherine Wilson
Photo:&nbsp;AAP Image/Paul Miller
Background reading:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themonthly.com.au/august-2025/essays/skin-game">https://www.themonthly.com.au/august-2025/essays/skin-game</a>

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

Part 2: Crocodiles and criminals

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/bfaa637c-9016-4063-b582-b39800617923/transcript

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