Thai farm culls 125 crocodiles as flood waters rise

A crocodile farm in Thailand culled 125 of the reptiles for fears that they could escape during ongoing floods and endanger human lives, its owner said on Wednesday.

Heavy monsoon rain swept across northern Thailand in September, triggering floods and landslides that have killed more than 20 people.

Days of heavy rain in the northern province of Lamphun damaged enclosures in Natthapak Khumkad’s farm, raising the risk that his herd of 3m-long Siamese crocodiles could escape and roam the countryside, preying on villagers and livestock.

As heavy rain eroded the farm walls, Natthapak had to kill the reptiles which he raised for 17 years.

Siamese crocodiles are critically endangered in the wild, but widely bred in farms across Thailand for their skin.

Dr. Patarapol Maneeorn, a vet at Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said that while he understood the owner’s decision, the crocodiles could have been transferred to another area not affected by floods.

Natthapak said he had previously contacted the government to find a temporary shelter for the reptiles, but was rejected because of the large size of the crocodiles.