Owner Arrested After Endangered Crocodile Found in Yeoju Stream

Authorities have arrested a 30-year-old man in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, for illegally possessing and raising a Siamese crocodile, an endangered species.

The man is accused of purchasing the crocodile for 1.2 million won (approximately $920 USD) in 2023 through an online reptile trading cafe. The Siamese crocodile is classified as a critically endangered species under CITES Appendix I, meaning commercial trade is prohibited due to severe population decline from poaching and habitat loss. It is also listed as 'Critically Endangered' (CR) by the IUCN.

The reptile was discovered in the Soyang Stream in Yeoju on July 18th after a pedestrian reported seeing what appeared to be a pet crocodile. Emergency services mobilized to capture the animal, which was later identified as a Siamese crocodile and transferred to the National Ecological Institute.

During the investigation, police apprehended the owner at his residence on July 26th. He claimed the crocodile escaped two weeks earlier while he was letting it sunbathe in his yard, stating he would not abandon such a valuable animal. Authorities also discovered another wild animal, believed to be a alligator snapping turtle (a CITES Appendix II species and an invasive species in Korea), at his home and are working to identify it. Police are continuing their investigation into the full details of the case and are attempting to track down the seller.

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I raised the crocodile after receiving it by express delivery. Two weeks ago, I took it out to the yard to let it sunbathe, and it disappeared. Why would I abandon a valuable crocodile?