
Is a crocodile invasion on its way from Batam? Several crocodiles escaped from a breeding farm on Bulan Island, Batam, Indonesia, on January 13, 2025. The incident was sparked by heavy rains which caused the collapse of two embankment walls at the crocodile pond. The National Parks Board (NParks) in Singapore is closely monitoring the situation given Batam is just 30 kilometres from Sentosa. Here’s what we know about the crocodiles escape near Singapore.
Crocodiles escape near Singapore
The crocodile farm, managed by PT Perkasa Jagat Karunia (PJK), houses more than 200 crocodiles primarily bred for their skins. The incident has caused safety concerns among local residents and fishermen. In fact, local fishermen have halted their activities due to safety fears. Although, 28 crocodiles have been recaptured as of January 20. However, the total number of escaped reptiles remains unclear.
Experts have stated that it is unlikely for the crocodiles to reach Singapore due to natural barriers and distance. But it is not impossible because saltwater crocodiles are known to traverse ocean waters. NParks have issued public advisories on how to respond if you come into contact with one of these crocodiles. Residents are urged to avoid provoking the animals and report sightings immediately. We just hope these aren’t the crocodiles that can pretend to drowned…
This incident poses potential risks to Singapore due to its geographical closeness. The situation also highlights broader environmental and safety implications given the shared marine ecosystems between Indonesia and Singapore.
In Indonesia, the escape has drawn criticism of the crocodile breeding farm’s management. Locals are demanding transparency from PJK regarding the number of escaped crocodiles. Meanwhile, fishermen in Batam have expressed frustration over lost income due to halted fishing activities and fear of fishing in waters where crocodiles were spotted.
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