THE STATESMAN (Kolkata, India) 30 June 08 White crocodile abode given facelift
Kendrapara: The state forest department has given a facelift to the 33 year old abode of a rare white crocodile held captive in Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary after reptile researchers had expressed concern over the manner in which female crocodiles were being taken care of in a pan.
The 33-year-old female crocodile named ‘Gori’ for its whitish complexion continues to be a major attraction for visitors to this internationally acclaimed Ramsar wetland site.
The poor health profile of Gori incidentally country’s lone white crocodile held in captivity, has been a concern for forest personnel of Bhitarkanika.
The rare animal is caged in a pen inside the Dangmal Crocodile Research Centre in Bhitarkanika national park for the past 33 years since its birth. For reason still shrouded in mystery, Gori has shunned mating since attainment of adulthood.
Refurbishment work of the pool-shaped water body in which Gori is ensconced is now complete. Work has been done to maintain constant flow of saline water into the animal’s pen from the natural water-inlets from the Bhitarkanika's river system.
Apart from the pond housing Gori being fenced with barbed wire, little attention had been paid in past to improve the habitat of the famous caged reptile, sources pointed out.
Wildlife researchers from the state forest department and experts from Chennai’s crocodile farm had recently said with concern that the ‘pen’ was no more hospitable for the healthy living of the caged animal.
"The pond was hit by siltation and inflow of salt water into it from connected creeks had considerably thinned down. The slump in saline content of water was adding to the ‘Gori’ discomfiture," said an official source.
The pond was dug out to greater depth as suggested by experts. The water channels routes were spruced up and cleaned up for uninterrupted flow of saline water during high tide. We are also ensuring that the captive animal is not disturbed by curious tourists, according to forest officials.
It may be recalled here that few years back the state forest department had contemplated to set free the rare species from captivity after the wildlife conservationists had suggested that it should be released in the wild. But the proposal had to be shelved after apprehension was expressed at various quarters that the species in the wild might assault the intruder Gori.
The captive albino species was is under constant observation as since past couple of years since when its health profile deteriorated. At present it is found to be in excellent health condition.
It is pertinent to note that several attempts made by forest personnel to mate Gori had failed. Things reached tragic proportion in past as Gori had violently attacked the male partner that had been released into the pen for mating purpose. Gori lost its left eye in the clash with the male partner.
White crocodile abode given facelift