The residents of Vadodara’s Janakpuri, Channi who had gathered to celebrate Navratri were in for a massive surprise as they found a huge 10-foot-long Mugger crocodile outside the Garba dance venue.

Getting over their initial shock, one concerned citizen among them, immediately informed the Wildlife SOS-Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rapid Response Unit on its 24×7 helpline.

The four-member rescue team equipped with adequate gear reached the location. Following a long effort, the crocodile was lured into a trap cage cautiously so as not to distress the animal further and handed over to the forest department. This was one of the biggest crocodiles rescued by Wildlife SOS this season and the 12th reptile since July to be captured.

Soon after, the Rescue Unit received a call regarding the presence of another 6 feet long crocodile from Palashwala village which was resting on the banks of a pond.  After a two-hour-long operation, the crocodile was trapped and handed over to the Dabhoi Forest Department.

In mid-September the Rescue Unit had rescued two crocodiles measuring five and three feet respectively late at night from Jalaram Nagar in Vishwamitri area.

Talking about these rescues, Raj Bhavsar, President of GSPCA said: “Our team receives rescue calls from both within the city as well as from the outskirts and rural areas. Even though there is increased awareness among people in both urban and rural areas about the presence of Mugger crocodiles, many are caught unawares when they spot a wild crocodile.”

Also read: Two crocodiles rescued amid flooding in Vadodara localities