Authorities in the West Bank have ordered the culling of approximately 200 crocodiles at an abandoned farm,citing both security concerns and animal welfare issues. The decision follows years of reported safety violations and deteriorating conditions at the facility, which was once a tourist attraction but closed during the Second Intifada. The controversial move, which will not be subject to examination, has already drawn criticism from animal rights groups, despite officials stating it was the only viable option after relocation proved impractical and significant funds were spent attempting to secure the property.
Authorities have ordered the mass killing of crocodiles at a farm after determining it was vulnerable to a potential security breach. The farm, which has a history of safety violations, infrastructure problems, and repeated crocodile escapes, was deemed susceptible to infiltration, potentially allowing hostile actors to release the animals to target civilians.
Officials stated the decision was also made to end the animals’ suffering, which had been held in “harsh and deteriorating conditions.” The cull was carried out “to prevent a direct threat to public safety” and to halt further decline in the crocodiles’ welfare.
Authorities have announced they will not launch an investigation into the cull or the farm’s closure, a decision that has drawn widespread condemnation from animal welfare organizations.
The government reportedly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars reinforcing the farm’s dilapidated fencing, but ultimately concluded that euthanasia was “the safest option” after relocation proved impossible.
