Forest officials concerned about crocodile safety

Kendrapara, Aug 26: The forest authorities in Orissa are having second thoughts about releasing 'Gori', the country's only captive white estuarine crocodile, into the wild following concern about its safety.
Gori, born in captivity at the crocodile research farm at Dangamal in the Bhitarkanika National Park in 1975, has been leading a lonely life in the farm. But it has been attracting visitors over the last several years.
Forest officials, worried about Gori's failing health, had decided to release it in the wild to ensure that she got freedom and health.
The plan to release the reptile was mooted last summer on the ground that there was the likelihood of her surviving longer in the Bhitarkanika river system compared to her present caged status.
Indications are that the thought of releasing her in the wild would be given up altogether.
Wildlife personnel have been expressing apprehension over the possibility of the female crocodile being attacked by other reptiles in the wild which could lead to her death.

It's often found that these species attack a newcomer into their fold, even kill it, they said.

While it is still being debated as to whether Gori would be freed or not, the restless crocodile continues to spend her time in the isolated pen inside the farm.

Gori had shot into limelight a few years ago when she displayed a strange behaviourial instinct by strongly rejecting any attempt to pair her with a male.

An attempt to let a captive male crocodile into her pen by the farm authorities resulted in a violent fiasco as Gori lost an eye in a fight with the partner forced upon her.

Since then such attempts were given up to ensure her safety.
Bureau Report