In a one of its kind wildlife rehabilitation operation, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and Delhi-based non-governmental organisation Wildlife SOS released a young marsh crocodile into its natural habitat in the National Chambal Sanctuary recently.
The Delhi Wildlife Department and Wildlife SOS had recovered the crocodile from some wildlife smugglers, who were intercepted at Delhi railway station three years back on a tip-off.
The smugglers had come to Delhi from Karnataka to sell the young crocodile to a Chinese trader for use in a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation. The Delhi court had issued orders that the crocodile be kept in the care of Wildlife SOS. Once the permission for the release of the crocodile was granted by the DCF (Chambal) and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Uttar Pradesh, the reptile was released in its natural habitat in the Chambal sanctuary.
DFO Chambal NK Janoo said: “The crocodile was brought by Forest officials from Delhi to Agra and then taken to the National Chambal sanctuary to be released in the safe haven for crocodiles.” The reptile was transported to Chambal in a special container. Delhi Wildlife inspector also accompanied the team to witness the release of the animal.
Janoo said the Chambal river was a natural habitat for crocodiles. The release team comprised lokesh, Sonu Prathamesh, Rinesh and Baiju who coordinated the operation.
Geeta Seshamani from Wildlife SOS said, “After the crocodile was let out, it initially paused, taking in its surroundings, as if trying to understand its new found freedom. It eventually took one last look at the rescuers and swam into the pristine waters of the Chambal river.” Wildlife biologist at Wildlife SOS, Baiju Raj, said, “Crocodiles are used for aphrodisiac preparations and South East Asian delicacies in some countries.”