THE HERALD (Port Elizabeth, S Africa) 08 February 08 Controversial crocs find new home in KZN (Bob Hopkin)
George‘s controversial crocodile farm is eerily quiet, with slimy ponds and bare concrete holding pens the only evidence that it was once home to hundreds of prehistoric reptiles.
Some 20 years after opening, the farm was forced to close its doors and the animals relocated to KwaZulu Natal.
There had been considerable debate over the conditions in which the animals were kept as well as concerns over the environmental impact of their presence leading to the closure of the farm by the municipality.
The removal took three days to complete and was supervised by the SPCA, police and fire brigade, which will eventually pump the dams dry.
Also present and organising the humane removal of the creatures was Trevor Kelly of the South African Crocodile Traders‘ Association. He and his staff are skilled in the catching and loading procedures that are designed to immobilise the crocodiles for safe transportation.
The crocodiles were bought by Mark Oldacre for a breeding farm at Salt Rock in KwaZulu Natal. Depending on its size, a crocodile is valued between R1000 and R5000.
“Our major concern was the unhygienic conditions in which they were being kept here,” said Winnie Swanepoel of the SPCA.
According to reports, the previous owner planned to open a similar crocodile breeding farm adjacent to the Robinson Pass road between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.
Controversial crocs find new home in KZN