Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers have captured a crocodile on the loose that was roaming in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
KWS in a statement of Thursday, June 6, 2024, said the officers had responded to distress calls from a Ruiru resident identified as Samuel Kamau.
Crocodile washed away
The juvenile crocodile, according to KWS, found itself at an unfinished building in Ruiru after being washed away by the torrential rains that have been witnessed in the country.
“After the torrential rains, something unexpected happened, a juvenile crocodile was washed away from its abode into an unfamiliar territory! Tiny and vulnerable, it found itself in an unfinished construction site in Ruiru, Kiambu County,” KWS said in the statement.
The officers responded quickly following Kamau’s call to capture the crocodile and return it to a secure place.
The KWS veterinary and capture team executed their mission carefully so as to ensure the safety of the locals.
“Following a distress call from Samuel Kamau, a community member, the KWS Vet and Capture team, quickly sprang into action. Their mission was clear: to ensure the safety of people and the displaced crocodile,” the statement further reads.
Crocodile to be examined
The captured crocodile was transported to the KWS veterinary centre for examination and subsequent release into a protected area.
“The team safely captured and transported the baby croc to the KWS veterinary centre for examination, after which it will be released into a protected area, far from the bustle of human activity,” the KWS statement said.
KWS appreciated Kamau for acting quickly and urged Kenyans to always report any wildlife incidents they come across.
They shared a toll-free number that Kenyans should always dial once they come across such incidents.
“Let’s all appreciate Samuel for his quick action and commitment to safeguard the baby croc! To report any wildlife incidences, please reach out to us via our 24-hour toll-free line 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp 0726 610509 for immediate intervention,” KWS said.
Over the recent past, there have been cases where wild animals have been spotted roaming freely in residential areas.
About two weeks ago, KWS officers captured a hyena that was roaming in Embakasi. Prior to the incident, Rongai residents in Kajiado County had reported an incident where a lion had been spotted roaming freely at night.
The lion had been captured on a CCTV camera jumping a perimeter wall while carrying a dog it had attacked from a residential compound.
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