Nature Club Surat Rescues 8.3-Foot Crocodile

Surat : In a successful rescue operation, Nature Club Surat (NCS), a wildlife rescue and environmental education NGO, saved an 8.3-foot female crocodile spotted in a creek between Dabhari and Lavachha villages on October 29, 2024. This significant rescue highlights NCS’s commitment to safeguarding wildlife and preserving natural habitats.

The sighting was first reported at around 10 a.m. on Nature Club Surat’s helpline. When volunteers arrived at the location, they discovered the crocodile in a large lake, making an immediate rescue challenging due to the lake’s extensive area and high water levels. Unable to safely capture the crocodile at that time, the team continued to monitor the area for any signs of the animal moving to a more accessible location.

Their persistence paid off when, on October 30, the crocodile was spotted again, this time having moved to a smaller creek. This change in location allowed the volunteers, assisted by locals and the Forest Department, to carry out a two-hour-long operation to safely capture the animal. The crocodile was subsequently taken to Nature Club Surat’s Rescue Center in Vesu, where it is being held temporarily for observation and care.

The rescued crocodile, measuring 8.3 feet, is thought to have wandered into the creek from a nearby reservoir. NCS volunteers noted that the animal likely ended up in the creek by mistake, and they have ensured that it was unharmed during the process.

Following a health assessment, Nature Club Surat, in partnership with the Forest Department, plans to release the crocodile back into a more suitable habitat that provides ample space and resources for its well-being. NCS’s rescue and rehabilitation work, which includes rescuing endangered species and educating the public on wildlife conservation, continues to make a positive impact in the region.

Nature Club Surat urges citizens to report any unusual sightings of wildlife to their helpline, emphasizing that quick action and coordination with local communities and authorities are essential in preserving Gujarat’s diverse wildlife.