Hong Kong woman arrested after 30 endangered reptiles found in Sham Shui Po flat

Hong Kong authorities arrested a woman after discovering 30 endangered reptiles in her Sham Shui Po apartment. The raid followed a report of a crocodile on the building's balcony. Police and wildlife officials found 63 animals in total, including rock iguanas, Aldabra giant tortoises, a savannah monitor, a boa constrictor, and a Burmese python, all listed under CITES.

The 35-year-old woman claimed ownership and stated the animals were for educational purposes. However, she could not produce a license to possess them. She was arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing endangered species, an offense carrying a potential fine of up to HK$10 million and 10 years imprisonment.

The initial discovery was prompted by a crocodile spotted on a platform connected to the residential unit. Inspectors from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) safely secured the juvenile crocodile, which appeared injured. The SPCA warned that crocodiles pose a serious threat to public safety.

Authorities preliminarily identified the crocodile as an estuarine crocodile, also a CITES-listed species. In total, the woman is suspected of illegally possessing 30 endangered reptiles, all of which were seized for further investigation.

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Crocodiles are dangerous animals and can pose a serious threat to people and other animals.