A large crocodile in Indonesia was stuck in a motorcycle tire for more than six years. The rescue efforts for the animal have come to fruition, as the garbage around its body was successfully removed.
"Buaya Kalung Ban," Croc with a Tire Necklace in Indonesia
The female saltwater crocodile was first encountered by the authorities in 2016. The locals in the Palu city where the animal was recovered call it by the name of "buaya kalung ban" which translates to "a crocodile with a tire necklace."
Authorities are still clueless about how the crocodile ended with the tire wrapped around its body. There are speculations that it a failed attempt to capture the beast for pet or its skin, reports the Associated Press.
Saltwater crocodiles, including buaya kalung ban, are all protected by the laws of Indonesia.
Since they stumbled upon the helpless crocodile, the country's conservation authorities have gone through numerous approaches to remove the tire from the animal's neck. They even offered a reward back in 2020 for any groups or individuals who could provide a rescue solution.
The same year, a US documentary called "Impossible Croc Rescue" gave their shot to release the crocodile from the tire, but the show presenter Forrest Galante was unsuccessful on the mission.
Australia's crocodile wrangler Matthew Wright was also given the opportunity but failed. According to a report by ABC News, Wright said it was among the hardest crocodile catches he performed in his career.
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Croc Rescue Operation Successful After Six Years
Last January, self-taught local reptile catcher Tili tested his luck. Tili is popular for being a rescuer of crocodiles, snakes, and other reptiles in the region. He is also experienced in catching birds and other farm animals.
Tili set up a trap through a series of ropes tied in a log, reports Reuters. The approach allowed Tili and his group to monitor the crocodile for three consecutive weeks. They tried to catch the crocodile three times and succeeded at the last attempt.
When Tili and his group captured the reptile, they covered its eyes and used a saw to cut the tire and free buaya kalung ban from it.
Central Sulawesi's conservation expert Haruna Hamma said that Tili served a great milestone for the province through his efforts in protecting wildlife.
Galante, who witnessed the rescue operation through a live stream, said in a CBC Radio One report that the crocodile responded similarly with its other cousins by acting dead and lethargic. After the facade, the reptile became agitated and snapped to life.
If Tili failed to rescue the crocodile, it would not live longer due to asphyxia and eating problems.
"I didn't learn this anywhere," Tili tells Reuters about his skills in rescuing animals. "I just can't stand to see animals hurt."
Saltwater crocodiles are the biggest living crocodilian species to date. They are carnivorous and are more likely to consume an entire human. Male saltwater crocs have an average scale of 17 feet and 1,000 pounds but could reach up to 23 feet in length and 2,200 pounds in weight.
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