1.9 metre crocodile found in Hong Kong village seized and transferred to Ocean Park
Hong Kong Free Press
Ocean Park has adopted a 35kg crocodile which was found in Pat Heung on Sunday. The 1.9 metre croc was transferred by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to the park in Aberdeen that evening, with vets suggesting the animal is around four years old.
A resident of Lin Fa Tei in the New Territories notified police about the crocodile at around 1pm on Sunday. The reptile was seized by conservation officers at around 5:30pm.
“The crocodile displays active behaviour and will be held temporarily at Ocean Park’s quarantine facility for appropriate care by its veterinary and animal teams who have extensive experience in alligator care,” Ocean Park said in a press release. “The Park urges the public not to illegally purchase or raise protected wild animals, such as crocodiles, for their own and other people’s safety as well as animal welfare considerations.”
The Standard reported that crocodiles and black kites were reportedly being reared illegally on private property at the village. An attempt to capture the animal led it to flee through sewage pipes.
There are no native crocodiles in Hong Kong, whilst the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Convention) makes their import without a permit illegal.
Ocean Park’s veterinary and animal teams conducted check-ups on the reptile when it arrived.
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