A massive 13-foot crocodile had for days taken up residence in Kamanyuni village in Makueni County.
The presence of this reptile disrupted the daily lives and activities of the locals. However, tranquillity was today restored to the village after the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) captured and relocated the crocodile. The operation has been announced by KWS through its official Facebook page. They detail how their team, in collaboration with conservation partners, skillfully managed to capture the crocodile which had become a threat to the community’s safety. The reptile was then safely transported and released into the waters of the Galana River within the vast expanse of the Tsavo East National Park, far from human settlements.
This successful intervention highlights KWS’s commitment to ensuring community safety while simultaneously upholding the principles of wildlife conservation. The authority reassures the public of their dedication to these dual causes and urges anyone facing similar wildlife incidents to promptly contact them through their 24-hour toll-free line or WhatsApp for immediate assistance. The recent incident in Kamanyuni is not an isolated occurrence. On June 6th, KWS had undertaken a rescue mission to aid a baby crocodile. This juvenile reptile was discovered trapped in a puddle at a construction site in Ruiru, Kiambu County. The heavy rains had washed the young crocodile away from its natural habitat.
Upon receiving a distress call from a community member, Samuel Kamau, the KWS veterinary and capture team responded promptly. Their mission was to ensure public safety and provide care for the displaced crocodile. After a thorough examination at the KWS veterinary centre, plans were made to release the young reptile back into a protected area, far removed from human settlements. The Athi River region and its environs are renowned for their rich biodiversity, including various species of reptiles such as crocodiles. These creatures play crucial roles in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats. However, when they venture too close to human settlements, they pose significant risks to public safety.