The crocodile escaped from a van window whilst it was being moved
A zoo has shared extraordinary footage of the moment crew members had to capture an eight-foot crocodile that had escaped into a road.
Staff at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Florida, had loaded up some of its crocs into a van to transport the animals to another area of the zoo.
However one of them clearly didn’t want to leave and managed to break the back window of the van before escaping.
The zoo shared footage of the 150-pound crocodile’s recapture on Facebook, praising the staff involved – two of which can be seen on the reptile’s back whilst another is holding on to the crocodile with a rope.
The post reads: “THIS is why we have extensive training and do drills, to prepare for moments like this. Earlier today, we were relocating crocodilians to another area of the Zoo. They were secured and placed into our Zoo Van.
“This animal broke the back window of the van and made a dash down the road. Our crew acted quickly to recapture it, and deliver it safely to its new habitat.”
The animal’s mouth was secure so “at no time was there any real danger.”
Alongside the video, the zoo added: “And impressive ‘GIRL POWER!’ Karsyn (Reptile Keeper) and Gen (General Curator) recaptured it, with help from Ryan and Donald from Maintenance.”
https://www.facebook.com/TheAlligatorFarm/videos/680730983352324/
The footage was captured by passer-by Jessica Stark, who was “right behind the van when it crawled out.”
Replying to a comment under her post sharing the footage, she explained: “It happened so fast I thought it was a big piece of rubber (I’m blind). Nope it was a freaking gator… He almost made it to the other side! Those gator farm people are savage and handled it.”
Some noted how the croc appears to be heading towards a Budweiser truck.
One person commented: “He must really love Budweiser!”
“He’s wrestling two (people) to get another beer. What’s more American than that?” another posted.
Related links:
- Biggest saltwater croc in captivity died of ‘stress’ after ‘eating schoolgirl’
- Giant ‘killer’ crocodile discovered with baby dinosaur still in its stomach
- Steve Irwin’s son forced to abandon enclosure after nearly being eaten by enormous croc
