A LIVE chicken was allegedly plucked from the grounds of Oakvale wildlife park and thrown to the alligators while members of the public watched on in horror.
The incident occurred at the well-known Oakvale Farm and Fauna World in Salt Ash and took place in front of families - including small children - on Tuesday, January 2.
"Two men picked up a hen and threw it into the alligator enclosure where it was killed and eaten in front of families and small children," a witness told Newcastle Herald.
The men who allegedly committed the act had a child with them at the time and were immediately escorted from the premises following the incident.
"It was truly shocking and just awful for everyone that was there at that time," the witness told the Herald.
"We are hoping that the men will indeed be prosecuted, but they should also be shamed for behaving in such a horrendous, cruel and shocking manner."
Owner Kent Sansom said he could not comment on the matter because it was the subject of a police investigation.
Police confirmed the incident had been reported and officers visited the site on Wednesday to make formal inquiries.
"Police from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District are investigating after a chicken was killed at a wildlife park in Salt Ash," a statement from NSW Police said.
"Officers were told that a man removed a live chicken from an enclosure and threw it into a nearby alligator enclosure, where it was killed.
"Inquiries are ongoing."
The Herald understands that police could pursue animal cruelty charges against the alleged offenders.
The incident has not affected Oakvale Wildlife Park's operating hours.
