Giant Saltwater Crocodile Found in school Under Classroom Floorboards

A giant saltwater crocodile has gone on display in a Wales elementary school after it was discovered preserved under the floorboards of a classroom.

The 120-year-old crocodile went on display at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bodringallt, in Pentre, on Wednesday after it was first discovered under classroom floorboards years before.

Workmen found the preserved lizard while they carried out a series of school improvements in June 2019.

After the crocodile was discovered, conservation workers found it had suffered significant damage after being unprotected for some 100 years.

Its underside was missing, along with its feet as well as the base of its tail and its teeth had fallen out.

Following extensive cleaning the crocodile and its supporting mold were finished before Christmas 2021 and went on display at the school on January 11.

It is now on display in a glass box that holds several sections of loose material and three bones that were not able to be used within the crocodile's main body.

Rhondda Cynon Taf council said in a Friday news release: "There was no information accompanying the workmen's finding, but a story about a crocodile being associated with the school has been told across many generations.

"The tale describes a local person who served in the First World War bringing back the body of a crocodile as a souvenir for the school.

"It is thought that the crocodile was then put on display, and was hidden beneath the floorboards to protect it during later times of conflict. An inspection of the crocodile's bones by Pure Conservation dates it back to before the 1900s.

Councillor Joy Rosser, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's cabinet member for education and inclusion services, said: "The story of the crocodile at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bodringallt is absolutely incredible—it was the last thing workmen thought they'd find underneath a classroom.

"I'm delighted its conservation is now complete, and that the legendary crocodile which was rumored to have been associated with the school is now proudly on display.

"I'd like to thank Pure Conservation for their dedicated work in restoring the crocodile, and for making it safe for the school to keep.

"Their thorough analysis dates the crocodile back to the 19th Century—and its condition, when discovered in 2019, is consistent with it being potentially untouched for up to a century. I'd like to thank Doctor Victoria Purewal and Annette Marie Townsend for their dedication and close working with the council.

"It was fantastic to see the excited look on pupils' faces when they saw the crocodile on display. I'm sure it will become a cherished part of the school going forward—representing a one-of-a-kind, real piece of local history which can be enjoyed by pupils and staff members for generations to come."

Children stood in front of crocodile
Children stood in front of a crocodile in Wales, U.K. The crocodile was found under the floorboards of an elementary school. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Anders Anglesey is a U.S. News Reporter based in London, U.K., covering crime, politics, online extremism and trending stories. Anders ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go