A state’s top cop says two teens are lucky not to have been killed by a crocodile allegedly taunted and struck with a metal pole during an after-hours break-in.

Perth’s Zoo’s four-metre-long, 400kg male saltwater crocodile Dangalabba was allegedly agitated and hit with a rod on Sunday night.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Teens charged after allegedly breaking into Perth Zoo crocodile enclosure

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Police say it happened when two boys aged 16 and 17 allegedly forced their way into the zoo about 7.15pm and cut locks to access the massive reptile’s enclosure.

They were each charged with two counts of criminal damage or destruction of property, trespass and animal cruelty.

But WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the alleged intrusion could have ended catastrophically.

“Whilst we’ve got 16 and 17-year-old boys before the court, we’re lucky we don’t have the 16 and 17-year-old boys in the morgue,” he said on Wednesday.

“Very dangerous (alleged) action. Whilst criminal, they really put their lives at risk.”

Dangalabba was allegedly taunted and struck with a pole at Perth Zoo. Credit: 7NEWS

Two teens have been charged over the alleged intrusion and animal cruelty. Credit: 7NEWS

Wildlife expert and head tour guide at Venture North Australia David McMahon also said the teens were fortunate not to have been injured.

He said crocs have individual personalities and can be unpredictable.

“One crocodile might be fine to just sit there and relax as you enter. The next crocodile will want to rip your head off,” he told Sunrise.

“These boys would have had absolutely no idea of the individual character of this crocodile. So it’s just a huge risk.”

Perth Zoo said the 45-year-old crocodile sustained minor injuries, is being monitored, but is otherwise OK.

World Animal Protection Australia director Ben Pearson said the allegations were “incredibly distressing”.

“We are relieved to hear (Dangalabba is) recovering well,” Pearson said.

“Crocodiles are sentient beings who can feel pain and fear. Like all wild animals they deserve to be treated with compassion and respect. 

“It’s encouraging to see authorities treating this cruel act as the serious crime it is. Ultimately, however, crocodiles are wild animals who should not be kept in captivity.”

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch. Credit: 7NEWS

Saltwater crocodiles are apex predators and the largest reptile on the planet.

Dangalabba is a rescue brought to Perth from a croc farm in Broome in 2019 after wildlife officers became concerned about public safety.

Perth Zoo said the the alleged incident was “reckless and irresponsible” and “placed both animal welfare and human safety at significant risk”.

“Any unlawful intrusion into animal habitats places the welfare of our animals, as well as the safety of individuals, at risk,” a spokesperson said.

The zoo said it has a range of security measures in place, including physical security controls, surveillance systems and after-hours monitoring, but will review the breach.