KUALA LUMPUR: Keeping a crocodile as a pet is unheard of, but a family in Kajang has had six in their backyard since 2018.

Khairul Johari Mohd Denie, 38, said he bought the smooth-fronted caimans (paleosuchus trigonatus), which are native to South America, from a licensed dealer with the Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).

The reptiles were a year old and about 20cm long when he got them.

Each now weighs around 15kg to 20kg and is about 160cm in length.

The caimans are kept in a special pond which Khairul Johari built himself.

He said his deep interest in animals started when he was a child as he was often taken by his parents to visit crocodile parks and zoos.

Khairul Johari was also heavily influenced by the late Steve Irwin.

“There used to be a popular show, ‘The Crocodile Hunter’, which was hosted by Irwin.

“He had millions of viewers under his spell through his dedication to the preservation of wild animals, inspiring people all over the world including me.

“So, I chose to legally own the smooth-fronted caiman, which is categorised as a dwarf crocodile, non-aggressive, prey-type animal and its history of never injuring let alone biting or eating humans,” he told Bernama.

Khairul Johari shares his interest through TikTok and his followers include people who have their curiosity piqued by the reptiles which are rarely kept as pets.

The father of three said he did not have to spend a lot of money on feeding the caimans.

“Apart from live catfish, I also feed them chicken heads, legs and livers.

“In fact, I don’t feed my pet crocodiles often, once or twice a week is enough,” he said, adding that crocodiles like murky, still water habitats and sunlight.

Khairul Johari said he and his family could play with, bathe and hug the reptiles because they have been tamed and raised since young.

When threatened, he said, the animals would snort or flick their tail.

“None has attacked me,” he added.

In addition to the caimans, Khairul Johari also has several protected exotic and wild animals including 22 lesser whistling ducks, 22 hill mynas, two Victoria crowned pigeons, a pair of Siamese fireback birds and a giant grouper fish.

It doesn’t bother the neighbours, he said.

“On the contrary, they enjoy bringing their children to my house to see and sometimes help feed and clean the pond or the aviary,” he added.

Khairul Johari intends to open a free mini-zoo in Kuala Kangsar, Perak in the future to provide an opportunity for people to get to know the various species of unique animals more closely.

Meanwhile, Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said there are only three individuals, including Khairul Johari, who have a valid licence to keep crocodiles in the peninsula.

He said based on the department’s data, a total of 53 crocodiles of the same species were imported since 2010 for commercial purposes including those kept in zoos.

“Generally, anyone can own protected wildlife species as long as they follow the rules by applying for a licence or permit from Perhilitan and ensure that the animal must come from a legal source,” he added.