Daijiworld Media Network - Vadodara (SHP)

Vadodara, Aug 2: The Vishwamitri River is infested with crocodiles and with the rains, the water level rose and overflowed into the city, causing the reptiles to infiltrate the residential areas. The forest department of Vadodara has managed to rescue over three crocodiles so far.

According to assistant conservator of forests, Vinod Damor, the crocodiles rescued were from Rajmahal road and Nizampura area. The one crocodile which was rescued from Rajmahal road was four feet long and almost six-years-old, while the other two were baby crocodiles, two-years-old.

Damor further stated that helpline numbers have been circulated and if the water level recedes the reptiles will be spotted easily. One other creature rescued was a tortoise from Fatehgunj area. The forest department also circulated contact details of concerned officials and volunteers for each area in case any emergency related to wildlife occurs.

A video went viral of the crocodile rescued from Rajmahal road showing a crocodile targeting two dogs stranded in the floodwaters. A moment of swift attack on one of the dogs was captured on cam. Vishwamitri River is home to nearly 300 crocodiles as per the last census. Sighting a crocodile in residential areas close to the river is quite common, but it is getting more common with the increasing rainfall.

On Wednesday night, animals around low lying areas were moved to safer cages and mounds were created for which big stones and boulders were used, in enclosures of herbivorous animals to give them a safe alleviation. Several birds and tortoises were moved to make-shift cages and carnivores were already on an alleviated enclosure.

Lately, the Sayaji Baug zoo is divided into three sections: Bird section, bear section and tiger section, with 212 animals of 18 species, 583 birds of 64 species and 79 reptiles of 7 species. These include 4 species from the cat family, 5 species of primates and 9 species of ungulates. The total number of animals is 874 of 89 species.