Crocodile breeder forced to euthanize 125 amid severe floods in Thailand
A breeder from Lamphun province in Thailand had to put down more than 127 Siamese crocodiles. Local media reported that due to flooding weakened the farm's walls, she had to make the difficult decision for the safety of the local community. The animals were euthanized using electricity.
Floods in September affected many other countries around the globe besides Canada. Among these are countries in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, where the water and hydrological situation is particularly difficult due to heavy rains.
In relation to the ongoing floods in Thailand, a crocodile breeder in Lamphun province admitted that she would have to euthanize as many as 125 of her animals. She made this decision for fear that the animals could escape due to the ongoing floods and pose a threat to the local population.
The rain was eroding the farm walls, so we sadly had to kill all 125 crocodiles. We’ve had them for 17 years – the breeder, Natthapak Khumkad, told AFP. She explained that the Siamese crocodiles were euthanized with electricity.
More than 120 endangered crocodiles euthanized due to the flood
On the breeder's Facebook profiles, photos appeared showing an excavator removing the bodies of the euthanized reptiles from the farm area. Siamese crocodiles, reaching about 3 metres, are endemic to Southeast Asia and critically endangered in the wild. In Thailand, however, they are mainly bred for their valuable skin.
The breeder also explained that she approached the authorities to provide temporary shelter for the crocodiles during the flood. The request was denied due to the size of these animals, she added.
