Part 2: Crocodiles and criminals

<p>This is part two of a two-part series. Start with Part 1: The true cost of crocodile skin.</p> <p>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;</p> <p>Two prominent scientists, using successful media businesses to promote research which showed those benefits, gave credibility to an industry worth 100 million dollars.</p> <p>Their work also reportedly underpinned Northern Territory and Queensland legislation regulating the industry.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Today we go inside the Darwin jail cell where that scientist now resides, and hear about the reckoning inside the controversial crocodile industry.&nbsp;</p> <p>This episode was originally published in August.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Socials:</strong><strong> </strong>Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Award-winning journalist Katherine Wilson</p> <p><strong>Photo:&nbsp;</strong>AAP Image/Paul Miller</p> <p><strong>Background reading:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.themonthly.com.au/august-2025/essays/skin-game">https://www.themonthly.com.au/august-2025/essays/skin-game</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>