18 Crocodile Quotes About The Mighty Reptiles
Crocodiles command the waters with a silent, powerful presence that imparts lessons of strength and vigilance. Along with these lessons, we've gathered words from people like Steve Irwin, who work to protect them. Browse these crocodile quotes and find inspiration to both respect and protect these formidable reptiles.
Related Read: Crocodile Facts.
Quick links to our selection of crocodile quotes:
Quotes By Steve Irwin And Other Conservationists
Australian zookeeper Steve Irwin is passionate about crocodiles, evident in his work and on television. His approach brought him fame as the host of 'The Crocodile Hunter,' which also became his nickname.
While some debated his methods, he aimed to increase awareness and inspire crocodile conservation. Explore quotes that echo his commitment to these powerful creatures and their habitats.
"The first crocodile I ever caught was at nine years of age, and it was a rescue."
- Steve Irwin
"Take the crocodile, for example, my favorite animal. There are 23 species. Seventeen of those species are rare or endangered. They’re on the way out, no matter what anyone does or says, you know."
- Steve Irwin
"Every cent we earn from Crocodile Hunter goes straight back into conservation. Every single cent."
- Steve Irwin
"Crocodiles are easy. They try to kill and eat you. People are harder. Sometimes they pretend to be your friend first."
- Steve Irwin
"I went into this little reptile park, and Steve was doing the crocodile show, coincidentally... I was absolutely floored. That was it. This man was a real-life hero. I fell then and there, love at first sight."
- Terri Irwin
"Alligators and crocodiles are some of the most aggressive creatures on the planet - they'll take down a boat if you come up to their nest."
- Jack Hanna
Metaphorical Crocodile Quotes To Think About
Crocodile imagery often reflects cunning and survival. Both in speech and literature, these reptiles can be used in many figures of speech to describe humans or situations.
The following sayings draw on a crocodile's nature—whether it's shedding deceptive tears or representing danger. Decipher the meaning of each and add them to your bank of expressions.
"It is the wisdom of the crocodiles, that shed tears when they would devour."
- Francis Bacon
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last."
- Winston Churchill
"The crocodile cannot turn its head. Like all science, it must always go forward with all-devouring jaws."
- Pyotr Kapitsa
"It is only safe to mock a crocodile when you have crossed the river."
- Matshona Dhliwayo
"The crocodiles that frighten from crossing the rivers of our destinies are easily drowned with personal confidence but not team courage. It means you owe it to yourself to defeat your own crocodiles and cross over to the other side!"
- Israelmore Ayivor
"The crocodile doesn’t harm the bird that cleans his teeth for him. He eats the others but not that one."
- Linda Hogan
"I just love seeing guys who say, 'I'm gonna stick my hand in that crocodile's mouth and see what happens.' And then it snaps down on them. There you go - that's what you get! It's a wild animal, my friend."
- Nathan Fillion
"‘Appeasement’ is the policy of feeding your friends to a crocodile, one at a time, in hopes that the crocodile will eat you last."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Crocodile Proverbs Full Of Lesson
In cultures around the world, crocodiles are symbols of many things. Their presence in the Old World's rivers and lakes has woven them into the fabric of many traditions, giving birth to timeless proverbs. These sayings offer wisdom that, just like the widespread crocodiles, has endured through the ages.
If you want nuggets of wisdom related to the New World counterpart, visit our alligator quotes.
"Calm water does not mean there are no crocodiles."
- Indonesian Proverb
"Do not insult the crocodile until you’ve crossed the river."
- Chinese Proverb
"No matter how much you feed a lizard it cannot become a crocodile."
- African Proverb
"If you live on the river, befriend the crocodile."
- Indian Proverb
Isabela is a determined millennial passionate about continuously seeking out ways to make an impact. With a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering with honors, Isabela’s research expertise and interest in artistic works, coupled with a creative mindset, offers readers a fresh take on different environmental, social, and personal development topics.
