Why was a crocodile found in a Mumbai pond?

The crocodile likely wandered into the pond due to habitat loss and urban expansion pushing wildlife into residential areas.

How was the crocodile in Kurla rescued?

Wildlife volunteers and specialists from Spreading Awareness on Reptiles and Rehabilitation Programme India rescued the crocodile and took it to a wildlife hospital.

What are the risks of crocodiles in urban ponds?

These encounters pose risks of injury to people and pets, and frightened communities may harm the animals out of fear.

Home / Environment / Crocodile Rescued from Kurla Neighborhood Pond

Crocodile Rescued from Kurla Neighborhood Pond

29 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A 2.5-foot marsh crocodile was found in a Mumbai neighborhood pond.
Wildlife volunteers expressed concern for the animal's stress and public safety.
The crocodile was eventually rescued and taken to a wildlife hospital.

Crocodile Rescued from Kurla Neighborhood Pond

Residents of Kurla, Mumbai, were startled by the appearance of a 2.5-foot marsh crocodile in a local pond, far from its natural habitat. Wildlife volunteers confirmed the reptile's presence, noting it appeared stressed and warned locals to keep a safe distance. The discovery, made about a month prior to its rescue, underscored the increasing issue of wild animals being displaced into human-dominated areas.

Indian marsh crocodiles, native to South Asian waterways, are facing population decline due to habitat loss and human activities. Experts believe the Mithi River may have been the crocodile's original source, suggesting it wandered into the pond unintentionally. This situation is representative of a broader trend where development pressures and environmental degradation force wildlife into unfamiliar territories.