Vadodara: Eight animals residing in Kamatibaug Zoo lost their lives in the severe flood that occurred after heavy rain and the overflowing of the Vishwamitri River in the city. The bodies of the dead animals were found after the water level in the zoo dropped on Thursday morning. Among the deceased were five nilgai, one Manipuri deer, one tortoise, and a crocodile, along with several birds that were found dead in their cages.

A zoo official explained that the enclosures for the nilgai and deer are designed with a central mound to provide refuge during floods. Typically, the animals can climb onto these mounds and survive until the waters recede. However, this flooding was unprecedented, with water levels significantly surpassing the height of the mounds.

On the other hand, the city is facing the challenge of crocodiles emerging from the Vishwamitri River, with 15 incidents reported over three days.

Between August 26 and August 29, the forest department and NGO volunteers rescued at least 14 crocodiles, while one was found dead, according to officials.

The largest crocodile rescued, measuring 14 feet in length, was found near the Kamnath Mahadev temple, just 100 meters from the river. Videos of the rescue quickly circulated on social media. This crocodile, believed to be 23 years old, was contained in a cage and safely relocated to the river bank after forest officials and volunteers managed to subdue it on Thursday. DeshGujarat