‘Killer’ crocodile to be moved out, Tata zoo to get new reptile couple

Having failed to find the right match, Tata Steel Zoological Park here is exploring options to shift the lone female crocodile to another location and bring a new reptile couple instead.

The criteria of the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) mandates that no zoo can keep a single animal. The female crocodile, now 18-year-old, was brought to Tata zoo in 2003 from Sanjay Gandhi Zoological Park, Patna along with a male crocodile.

Three years later, she killed the male partner. Witnessing her aggressive approach towards other crocodiles, the zoo officials have been hesitant towards finding her a partner.

During previous visits, the CZAI officials had objected over keeping a single crocodile.

Director of Tata zoo, Bipul Chakrabarty, said the authorities tried to bring a male companion for the only crocodile here but her aggressive approach prevented them from doing so. “Going by her aggressive nature, it is possible that other male partner could be killed by the crocodile again. Hence the zoo is now planning to shift her and bring a new couple for their safe future here. Officials of Muta crocodile breeding centre in Ranchi have agreed to the proposal. A decision will be taken soon,” Chakrabarty said.

A crocodile can survive for around 35 years. Zoo officials had tried to ascertain the exact reason behind her aggressive behaviour but all efforts went in vain. Therefore, now they have started negotiating with other similar facilities in the country to shift her before bringing a new couple to provide them a safe shelter.

JAMSHEDPUR: