Abstract A protective vest 10c comprises a central section 14 and two lateral sections 16. The central section 14 is configured to cover the underside of a crocodile torso, and comprises an arrangement of panels 14a. Each lateral section 16 comprises a series of parallel smaller rectangular panels 16a extending from the central section 14 to side edges 21 of the body portion 12, for curving around and covering lateral sides and at least part of the topsides of a crocodile torso. A flexible central band 30 extends laterally across a mid-portion of the central section 14, and angles rearwardly to the side edges 21. The reinforced portions of the central section 14 and lateral sections 16 are formed into a front section 32 and a rear section 34, with the flexible central band 30 therebetween. The front section 32 and the rear section 34 thus comprise a series of side by side rectangular reinforced panels 16a and 14a. The front section 32 is bendable relative to the rear section 34.
