KWS captures 13-foot crocodile in Athi River

Arnold Ngure

June 17, 2024
12:48 pm

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The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) captured a 13-foot crocodile in Athi River after members of the public raised concerns about the reptile freely roaming the Kamunyuni area.

A swift action by the wildlife body saw the crocodile captured and loaded into a cage and removed from Athi River.

Taking to social media on Monday, June 17, 2024, the Kenya Wildlife Service said the reptile had been a menace to residents of Kamunyuni in Makueni County.

“The Kenya Wildlife Service, together with its conservation partners, skillfully captured a 13-foot crocodile that had been a danger to the community near the Athi River,” the wildlife body said on X.

“Residents of Kamunyuni in Makueni County can breathe a sigh of relief.”

KWS later transported the crocodile to Tsavo East National Park’s Galana River as a way of minimising the wildlife-human conflict.

A 13-foot crocodile was rescued from Athi River by the Kenya Wildlife Service officers after residents complained of the dangers of the roaming reptile. PHOTO/@KWSKenya/X

The authority urged members of the public to report any such incidents soon before serious harm is done.

“KWS remains dedicated to community safety and wildlife conservation. To report any wildlife incidents, please call our 24-hour toll-free line at 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp 0726 610 509 for immediate intervention,” the wildlife body stated.

24 crocodiles rescued

In 2023, KWS rescued at least 24 crocodiles from a private residence in Malindi after members of the public raised concerns about the roaming reptiles.

Videos in which the reptiles were freely roaming public areas went viral, attracting the attention of the wildlife body leading to the rescue.

On the same premises, the KWS would also rescue six leopard tortoises and one aldabra tortoise.

“KWS successfully relocated 24 crocodiles and 7 tortoises from the Malindi Crocodile Farm to Mamba village. Among them, 4 crocodiles, 1 Aldabra tortoise, and 6 leopard tortoises will be settled in their new home at the KWS Nairobi Animal Orphanage,” KWS stated after the rescue.

The authority appreciated the online vigilance by members of the public and further urged them to report similar incidents in the future.

“Your vigilance and support play a crucial role in preserving our national heritage,” KWS added.

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