Maoming, China – Chinese authorities have captured all 71 crocodiles that escaped from a farm in the city of Maoming in the southern province of Guangdong last week, following flooding in the area, according to state media reports.
More than 70 crocodiles escaped near Maoming City-Image Source: Sky News
The crocodiles escaped after a nearby lake overflowed due to a typhoon that hit the region. Local authorities launched a large-scale search operation, with footage from state broadcaster CCTV showing rescue workers pulling a crocodile out of the water with a rope.
The official Beijing News reported on Tuesday that the operation was successful and that all of the escaped crocodiles had been captured. The newspaper’s website published photos of dozens of crocodiles lying in the mud, their mouths taped shut with cloth and rope, surrounded by workers holding umbrellas.
All the escaped crocodiles in Maoming, Guangdong were captured by the local Agriculture Bureau, and the last one was caught last night. pic.twitter.com/VUElOHfKl0
— BeijingNews 新京报 (@BJNewsWorld) September 19, 2023
The crocodiles, which included 69 adults and two juveniles, were returned to the farm from which they escaped.
The incident is a reminder of the dangers posed by escaped crocodiles, which can be a threat to humans and other animals. Crocodiles are predators and are known to attack humans, especially when they are feeling threatened.
In this case, the crocodiles were likely driven out of their enclosure by the flooding. Once they were free, they were able to swim and travel long distances.
The successful capture of all of the escaped crocodiles is a positive outcome, but it is important to remember that there are still many crocodiles in captivity around the world. It is important to take steps to ensure that these animals are kept in safe and secure enclosures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
