In response to the severe flooding in northern Thailand’s Lamphun province, a crocodile farm owner has taken the difficult step of “managing” over 100 adult crocodiles to prevent them from escaping into the surrounding community. The decision was made after part of the farm’s protective wall collapsed due to heavy rain, raising concerns about public safety.
The 37-year-old owner of the Intern Lamphun Crocodile Farm, located in Ban San Khayom in Mueang district, shared on Facebook that the recent intense rainfall had already damaged sections of the farm’s wall. With more rain expected, he feared that a total collapse could allow the crocodiles to escape, putting nearby residents at risk.
While many outlets initially reported that the crocodiles had been “slaughtered” or “killed,” the owner clarified in an interview with Khaosod News that he prefers the term “manage,” as words like “kill” or “slaughter” are too cruel to describe the actions taken. After discussing the situation with his family, they agreed that the decision was necessary to protect the public, but it was a painful one, given the owner’s deep connection to the animals he has raised for 17 years.
The first batch of 90 older breeding crocodiles, all around 17 years old, was culled, and their carcasses were placed in cold storage to be sold at a later date. The farm, which housed about 700 crocodiles, now has around 500 smaller crocodiles remaining. Despite the challenges, the owner said that no further actions are planned, and he will no longer collect crocodile eggs or assist in the birth of new crocodiles.
“The rains this year have been intense, and I had to make a quick decision,” he said, acknowledging the impact on the farm’s future breeding operations. Though this decision will set back breeding efforts for several years, he emphasized that safety had to come first.
While the owner expressed his sadness at having to manage the adult crocodiles, he remains hopeful for a brighter future. He hopes to maintain the remaining crocodiles safely and rebuild his farm’s operations once the weather improves.