The recent incident of a baby crocodile found in a civic-run swimming pool in Dadar, Mumbai, had left the city stunned. However, a recent report submitted by forest officers has debunked the theory that the reptile escaped from the nearby M/s Marine Aqua Zoo.
Contrary to early speculations, the investigation points towards the possibility that the crocodile may have traveled from a sewage system or a storm drain near the pool area. The report mentions that the M/s Marine Aqua Zoo has been found clear of any negligence or mishaps.
"We have conducted a thorough investigation, and it was confirmed that the baby crocodile didn't come from the nearby M/s Marine Aqua Zoo. There were no signs of any crocodile missing from the zoo," said the senior forest officer in the report.
A team of experts was formed to carry out the investigation after the baby crocodile was spotted and safely removed from the pool by the forest officers on August 7. Further, the committee included experts from the field of reptiles and local civic bodies.
The report further highlighted the lack of a proper fencing system around the pool area. The officers have suggested that such occurrences can be avoided in the future by implementing a solid fence and regular patrolling.
What's next?
The baby crocodile is currently undergoing health checks and will be released back into the wild once it is deemed fit. The pool authorities have taken the suggestions from the report seriously and have initiated the process to install a new fencing system around the pool area.
In the wake of this incident, the forest department has also planned to organize a series of awareness programs for the local residents, educating them on how to react in similar situations in the future.
This incident has led to renewed discussions on the encroachment of wildlife habitats due to rapid urbanization and the need for co-existence.
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