TH - Stranded croc flusters locals in Bangkok

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Bangkok Post - 14 July 2007

 

 

 

Stranded croc flusters locals in Thong Lor

 

 

 

 

People walking along trendy Soi Thong Lor were thrown into a panic yesterday

when a young crocodile was spotted in the middle of the busy street in one

of Bangkok's upmarket areas. But fear soon turned to sympathy as people

became aware of the young reptile's helplessness.

 

According to residents, it was clear the reptile was badly in need of help,

as its feet and mouth were tightly bound with string. Worse still,

eyewitnesses said its skin was drying out in the scorching heat and they

feared the crocodile would die from the exposure.

 

Residents in the neighborhood decided to call staff from Dusit Zoo and the

Ruam Katanyu Foundation to come and rescue the animal.

 

The young crocodile is about two years old, 1.20 meters long and weighs

about 8-10 kilogrammes. It was found at the entrance to Thong Lor Soi 9.

Witnesses said the crocodile had fallen off the back of a passing pick-up

truck.

 

It is now being nursed back to health at Dusit Zoo.

 

Police believe the reptile belonged to a crocodile farm and was being

transported somewhere when it accidentally fell from the truck.