BKSDA Evacuation Of 2 Citizens' Raising Crocodiles In Sampit, The Owners Were Nangis When Released

Central Kalimantan BKSDA officers evacuated residents' pet crocodiles in Sampit City. (Antara)

KALTENG - Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) officers evacuated two pet crocodiles from residents in Sampit City over the past week.

The crocodile, which was evacuated from the capital city of East Kotawaringin Regency, was then released into its natural habitat.

"Yesterday we evacuated a female estuarine crocodile. It is about two meters long," said the Commander of the Central Kalimantan BKSDA Sampit Post, Muriansyah, in Sampit, quoted from Antara, Thursday, September 8.

Muriansyah conveyed that BKSDA officers evacuated the crocodile from the inn and restaurant complex in the Mentawa Baru Ketapang sub-district. The BKSDA was also assisted by members of Manggala Agni and the animal lover community.

"We are grateful that residents who maintain this crocodile want to hand it over for us to evacuate. This estuarine crocodile is protected. In addition, crocodiles are dangerous animals to maintain, especially if it is this big," he said.

He said that on Monday, September 5, officers from the East Kotawaringin Regency Fire and Rescue Service also evacuated one crocodile from a resident's place in Mentawa Baru District, Ketapang.

Zulhaidir, owner of a restaurant and lodging that keeps crocodiles, admitted that he had handed over the animals he had kept to the BKSDA with pleasure.

"I also think about the development of the crocodile itself, because it needs to breed even though we have protected food and health here," said Zulhaidir, who serves as Head of the East Kotawaringin Trade and Industry Office.

Zulhaidir said a colleague in Seruyan Regency had entrusted the crocodile to him since 2011, when the crocodile was still about 15 centimeters long.

"But the crocodiles are getting bigger. It's also confused because there is no place. This is also very risky for safety. That's why when the BKSDA contacts, we invite (evacuation)," he added.

Meanwhile, Reni, another crocodile keeper, cried when she separated from the crocodile she had been taking care of.

"It feels sad to have to separate. But this is the best for this crocodile. It must be released into the wild so that it can live a better life and can breed," said Reni while wiping tears.

Muriansyah said two crocodiles that were evacuated from where residents were then released at the Lamandau Wildlife Reserve.

"Yesterday afternoon he was taken to the SKW II Office of Pangkalan Bun, then released into the Lamandau Wildlife Reserve. Hopefully later the crocodiles can adapt quickly," he said.