This is the moment Father Christmas feeds carrots to kangaroos and teases Elvis the snapping crocodile with food at an Australian zoo.

The festive scenes were filmed at the Australian Reptile Park in the Australian state of New South Wales.

The zoo shared the festive images with the message: “HO HO HO! Although he may have to make his way around the world Christmas Eve, Santa has been spotted at The Australian Reptile Park, dropping in early to get some cuddles with the animals and surprise them with special treats!

“Parking his sleigh outside the park, he made his way inside with his sack full of goodies for all the animals at the Central Coast wildlife park.

“Whether it was the friendly mob of Kangaroos to Anna the koala – the animals were all incredibly happy to receive their special gifts! Most notably, Santa was brave enough to take on Elvis the five-metre crocodile as he jumped into his enclosure to feed him a Christmas lunch!”

Footage shows Elvis snapping its jaws at Father Christmas as he teases the croc with food on the end of a pole.

Santa was quoted as saying: “I love Australian animals so much! Australia has all sorts of different and dangerous wildlife, I would have spent all day there but I have so much left I need to finish before Christmas!”

Australian Reptile Park said: “Santa noted his time at the Central Coast wildlife sanctuary was his favourite trip so far but would not let his reindeer anywhere near the alligator enclosure!

“The feisty reptiles chased Santa out of their lagoon after he delivered their present and joked that ‘Mrs Claus would be proud of all the exercise I have done at the Reptile Park today’.

“After a full day of spending time with the animals and spreading Christmas cheer, Santa bid farewell to the Australian Reptile Park.”

However, Father Christmas plans to return to Australia later this week with his trusty reindeer.

The zoo said: “He said he would be back in Australia on Christmas Eve, and is so excited to bring gifts to all the little boys and girls of Australia. After all, he feels like the most dangerous job is done!

“The Australian Reptile Park is a hands-on zoo located the natural bush setting of the Central Coast of NSW, only 60 minutes from Sydney or Newcastle. Visitors enjoy live entertaining shows, themed exhibits and interaction with many of the wildlife park’s residents.”