Crocodiles Freed After 25 Years in Concrete Pit
New Zealand charity orchestrates daring rescue in the Solomon Islands.
After a quarter century languishing in a small, concrete enclosure, two saltwater crocodiles have a new lease on life. A New Zealand animal charity rescued the reptiles from grim conditions in the Solomon Islands.
Discovery and Initial Hurdles
The organization, Helping You Help Animals (HUHA), found the crocodiles behind a café in Honiara, surviving on collected rainwater in a garbage-strewn pit. Carolyn Press-McKenzie, HUHA’s founder and chief executive, recounted her surprise to Checkpoint, “When you hear that something’s off, you need to go have a look…So we went and had a look after surgery one day and they were there… it was awful. I can’t even describe. They were just in these little prisons of rubbish and concrete.”
Motivated to act, Press-McKenzie tracked down the owner. She stated, “I think we got the guy at the right point because we know other people, including Australia Zoo, had been there over the years, seen them but not been in a position to get them and move them.”
HUHA purchased the crocodiles and began fundraising for their relocation.
Collaboration and Relocation
Though fundraising fell short of their goals, one donor gave $10,000. According to Press-McKenzie, “Our thing is every animal matters and we don’t discriminate. So basically for us, it didn’t really matter that we weren’t into crocodiles. Those crocodiles were in trouble and no one else was stepping up.”
HUHA reached out to Australia Zoo for help. “I didn’t see how we could actually relocate them safely unless we were with people who knew what they were doing,”
Press-McKenzie explained. The zoo joined the effort and were impressed by HUHA’s work.
A New Beginning
After a new private sanctuary was completed, the crocodiles were moved to their new home. The agreement prevents breeding, consumption, exhibition, or resale. The new enclosure includes a pool where the animals can swim.
For the first time, they can fully submerge themselves in water. The crocodiles, separated for 25 years, now share the same enclosure. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest living reptiles and can live to over 70 years (National Geographic).
Press-McKenzie concluded, “It’s just it’s really nice, they’re safe.”
