Relocated crocodile refuses food for 19 days in Bangladesh

A female mugger crocodile, believed to be between 45 and 50 years old, has been refusing food for 19 days following its relocation from the Khan Jahan Ali Shrine pond to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Khulna, Bangladesh. This prolonged fasting has raised concerns about the animal's condition and its ability to adapt to its new environment.

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We offered chicken and even tied live ducks in the water so it could hunt easily, but it has shown no interest in feeding.

Forest Department officials are closely monitoring the crocodile, offering it various food options, including live ducks, but it has shown no interest in feeding. Nirmal Kumar Paul, divisional forest officer of the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division in Khulna, assured that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the crocodile's well-being, including regular water changes and spraying in hot weather. Despite the fasting, officials maintain there is no immediate cause for alarm, citing the ability of reptiles to survive extended periods without sustenance.

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The water in its enclosure is changed regularly, and fresh water is sprayed on its body during hot weather. Our animal keepers and wildlife scouts are taking every possible measure to ensure its well-being.

The crocodile was moved on June 3, two days after a child was killed after being dragged into the shrine pond. This incident prompted public outcry and renewed concerns about keeping crocodiles in the pond, a popular site for thousands of visitors. Wildlife officials suspect the abrupt change in habitat may be affecting the crocodile's feeding behavior. They have ruled out releasing it into the saline waters of the Sundarbans, deeming it inappropriate and potentially life-threatening. However, officials are considering returning the crocodile to the shrine if adequate safety measures can be established within the next couple of months to protect both visitors and the animal. Otherwise, the decision will be escalated to higher authorities.

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It is a freshwater crocodile. Releasing it into the saline waters of the Sundarbans would not be appropriate and could threaten its survival.

This crocodile is the sole survivor of a group once kept at the shrine pond. Previous well-known crocodiles, Kalapahar and Dhalapahar, died years ago. While several freshwater crocodiles were reportedly brought from India, most perished due to internal conflicts, leaving only this individual. The crocodile's current refusal to eat has also reignited concerns among local residents and animal welfare advocates regarding its past care.

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The crocodile would occasionally leave the pond and enter nearby areas. This posed risks both to local people and to the crocodile itself. If the shrine committee can establish effective safety arrangements within the next couple of months, we can consider returning it. Otherwise, the matter will be referred to higher authorities for a decision.