Marsh crocodile rescued from 8-foot electricity duct at Aarey Metro complex

A sub-adult Indian marsh crocodile, measuring about 3 feet 7 inches, was rescued from an 8-foot-deep electricity duct at the Aarey Metro complex in the early hours of 23 September.

The Wildlife Welfare Association said it received a rescue-helpline call at around 12.05am. Complex staff told the association that they had spotted the animal inside the premises before it entered the duct. The rescue team located the crocodile underground and brought it out safely.

The Mumbai Range Forest Department was informed, and the crocodile was moved to the association’s transit centre for observation and a veterinary examination. Dr Charier found it fit for release.

The animal will be released in a suitable natural habitat in coordination with the Forest Department. The association said a sub-adult marsh crocodile was also filmed crossing Aarey Road near Tapeshwar and the Metro area last month, but rescue teams did not locate it then.