Seub Nakhasathien Foundation visits Phuket’s crocodile

‘Laypang’, the 200 kilogram male crocodile from the old tin mine near Laypang Beach has been moved to a bigger rehabilitation pond today (August 5). A specialist vet has found that it’s now moving more easily in the larger enclosure while the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation paid a visit to provide some advice.

The new, larger cement pond is 6×5 meters divided into two parts, a water zone and a dry zone, connected with a slope. Officers reported that Lapang can move 50% better than before.

After a visit yesterday (August 4), the Foundation has given some advice to the Phuket Coastal Aquatic Animals Development Centre, including an urgent plan which will place the crocodile in a natural enclosed area where research and studies can be made, such as wildlife breeding centre. For the long-term plan, the Foundation is suggesting to look for a permanent natural home for the reptile, with the aim to preserve and increase the number of saltwater crocodiles, a species which is critically endangered in Thailand.

The Foundation says that the problem is the dropping number of saltwater crocodile and the depletion of their natural habitat. The Fisheries Department and National Park Department are working together on the project to find a location to release the crocodile. The various departments are discussing ways to educate people about saltwater crocodiles as well as their importance to the ecology and tourism.

Regarding the picture that netizens criticised where it appears the crocodile was bleeding, officers confirmed that the red colouration appearing on the image is just rust stains on the pond’s floor.