Working with ToPS Species (Threatened or Protected Species).
And next up for release... was this little Nile Crocodile.
Caught in the Umgeni River near Wartburg, landowners did not want it growing up on this stretch of river. It was brought in to FreeMe Wildlife, and we decided to look for a better home in the Zululand area where it could grow up in the wild.
Safely caught, one can clearly see the elongated soft palate (palatine flap) that presses down against the dorsal flap of the tongue forming the "gular valve". This seal allows this Nile Crocodile to open its mouth underwater without water rushing into the internal nares and the glottis. (Top image)
And then into a comfy transport crate with plenty of grass to hide under for the journey. Then we latch the transport crate using safety clips so as to prevent any escape attempts while on route. Croc was not too impressed with these attempts to get it back to the wild, but it wasn't long before it wriggled itself into the bed of grass and disappeared.
Pictured below: This Croc may be small, but it has a big heart and a big bite! We had found a home in the wild on the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve with Wild Tomorrow. But first, to catch and place this feisty reptile in a transport crate.
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