The recent spell of rains in Vadodara saw two crocodiles being rescued by the conservation organisation Wildlife SOS, along with Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The back-to-back rescues of two Mugger crocodiles were conducted at Jalaram Nagar near the Vishwamitri area.

In Karelibaug area residents were shocked to find a mugger which was five-foot-long among their midst. The reptile was spotted wandering around the residential society. The residents immediately alerted the Wildlife SOS-GSPCA team which operates a rescue helpline (+91 9825011117) functioning round-the-clock to rescue wildlife in distress.

The four-member team from the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit on reaching the location managed to rescue the distressed reptile with the help of requisite equipment and protective gear.

The team was again pressed for service that same night when a second crocodile measuring nearly 3-foot-long was sighted in the area.

Both these reptiles are believed to have ventured into the residential area from the nearby river.

At present the crocodiles have been placed under the care of the Gujarat Forest Department and will soon be released back into their natural habitat.

Talking about the two incidents, Raj Bhavsar, the President of GSPCA said: “Sightings of crocodiles in this region are common during the rainy season. The reason being that the Vishwamitri river which flows through Vadodara city has the highest population density of Mugger crocodiles in Gujarat. Heavy rains often flood the river, forcing the crocodiles out of their natural homes.”