{
  "id": 17714093,
  "title": "Meet Ali and Acong, young crocodiles who love lullabies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/meet-ali-and-acong-young-crocodiles-who-love-lullabies",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T00:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/11/02/meet-ali-and-acong-young-crocodiles-who-love-lullabies"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two young crocodiles, Ali and Acong, have gained attention on social media for their unusual habit of being gently cradled and soothed by their keeper, Rizal Manoor. Born at 99 Wonderland Park in Selayang, the crocodiles were among 30 eggs laid by their mother, Goldie. Only two of the eggs hatched, resulting in Ali and Acong. Their father, Lipis, is also housed at the park.\n\nRizal, who has 18 years of experience working with reptiles, explained that Goldie was a first-time breeder and only two of the 30 eggs survived due to the correct temperature. The two hatchlings have become accustomed to Rizal's presence, responding to his calls of their names. While Ali is calmer and enjoys basking in the sun, Acong is somewhat aggressive, especially when uncomfortable, and prefers spending time in water.\n\nThe crocodiles' feeding habits have evolved as they have grown. Initially fed shrimp, crickets, fish, and chopped chicken, they now eat chicks. Ali and Acong are fed twice a week, while adult crocodiles at the park eat less frequently due to their slower digestive process. Rizal emphasizes the importance of caution when visiting the animals, urging visitors not to shout or tease them as sudden disturbances can provoke aggressive responses.",
  "summary": "Raised by their keeper since hatching, the viral pair have very different personalities, with one being very much easier to cuddle than the other.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}