Staff at a north Queensland wildlife sanctuary say they have reinforced an animal enclosure after a “feisty” 3.8-metre saltwater crocodile escaped.

The crocodile named Dynamo was spotted outside of its enclosure at Billabong Sanctuary in Townsville on Saturday morning. 

Wildlife curator Ray Stephens said the 30-year-old reptile had “bashed” his way through a gate that had recently been installed in the enclosure.

“He decided he would go for an explore, then he decided he would try to attack another one of our crocodiles,” Mr Stephens said. 

“They were basically growling at each other through the fence.”

Visitors were evacuated and staff spent several hours trying to capture Dynamo with a top-jaw rope. 

Billabong Sanctuary said no staff or customers were injured and guests were given refunds if requested.

Mr Stephens said the troublesome gate the crocodile had broken through had recently been installed by contractors. 

“The mesh that was put on was quite cheap,” he said. 

“Even though it was strapped down [Dynamo] has bashed it and basically undone the locking clips.

“We have fixed that by putting a big sheet of corrugated iron across the bottom.

“Now he can’t even get close.”

Dynamo was removed from the wild near Saunders Beach, north of Townsville, in 2021 by the Department of Environment and Science. 

At the time the department believed the crocodile had been “hanging around” boat ramps where fishers had disposed of fish frames and bait. 

Mr Stephens said Dynamo didn’t “seem to have a great deal of fear of people”.

Billabong Sanctuary reopened at 2:30pm on Saturday.