A giant crocodile that outgrew his pool had to be moved to a new home at a zoo in Thailand.

The 39-year-old freshwater crocodile named 'Uncle Boy' ballooned to 1,400 lbs and more than 16ft long in Ubon Ratchathani province.

Concerned zookeepers roped in 24 helpers and embarked on the difficult task of moving Uncle Boy last Friday morning April 8.

The reptile was sedated before being tied to a pole and carried on a custom-made stretcher to a waiting truck which used a crane to hoist him onto the vehicle.

Uncle Boy arrived at his freshly-built pool on the other side of Ubon Ratchathani Zoo several minutes later.

Zoo boss Thitiporn Thongdeephan said: 'Uncle Boy's old house had become cramped. His new place is about a mile away next to the hippos. He'll be happy there.

'Vets checked him before the move and they found he was in good health.'