What you should know about crocodiles in Hong Kong: how common they are, if they’re legal to import, and more

The Post unpacks all you need to know about crocodiles and rare sightings of them in the city.

Female crocodile caught in New Territories currently under quarantine in Ocean Park

Siamese crocodiles are carnivorous reptiles that live in freshwater areas. They are capable of growing up to 4 metres in length and a weight of 80kg. The reptiles are considered medium-sized among the wider family of 24 recognised species of extant crocodilians.

The species is considered critically endangered in the wild because of poaching, with only an estimated 500 to 1,000 wild Siamese crocodiles in existence around the world.

They are also one of three species that are often raised in captivity for their meat and leather. The other two are the saltwater crocodile and the common caiman.

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Crocodiles are capable of going up to a year without eating due to being poikilothermic, or cold-blooded. Victor Wong Long-yin, of the Hong Kong Society of Herpetology Foundation, said the reptiles would “eat whatever fits in their mouths”, including mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates.

The Siamese crocodile is native to Southeast Asia countries, such as Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia.

While the longest possible lifespan of a Siamese crocodile is currently unclear, the discovery of a 3.2-metre carcass weighing 100kg in Vietnam’s Ea Lam Lake in October 2012 suggested they could live nearly 100 years.

Crocodiles have rarely been seen in the city since the area is not considered part of their natural habitat. In the past two decades, Hong Kong has only recorded five crocodile sightings.

In 2003, a 1.75-metre saltwater crocodile was caught in Yuen Long’s Shan Pui River after a seven-month hunt. The reptile, named Pui Pui, in 2006 was moved to a 72 sq m (775 sq ft) open-air aquarium in Wetland Park.

Saltwater crocodiles are currently the largest reptiles on the planet and can easily live past a century, with the oldest recorded specimen, located at Australia Zoo in Queensland, dying at the age of 140 in 2010. They can be found in Southeast Asia, as well as across east India, Micronesia and northern Australia.

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The city discovered a Siamese crocodile in Tai Po in 2012 and another in Yuen Long in 2014. It was believed that they were smuggled to Hong Kong as pets and later abandoned.

Both reptiles were rescued by Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, before later being moved to Singapore Zoo in 2017.

The most recent sighting before Sunday was the 2019 discovery of an infant Siamese crocodile some 35cm in length. It was found at Bride’s Pool in the northeastern New Territories. The reptile was later sent to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s animal management centre in Pok Fu Lam.

According to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, residents require a licence to import, export, re-export or possess a crocodile, whether living, dead, in parts or derivatives.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, offenders can receive up to 10 years in jail and a HK$10 million (US$1.2 million) fine.

Sam Inglis, a wildlife programme manager at environment group ADM Capital Foundation, said Hong Kong was “the leading importer of Siamese crocodile meat in the world”.

In the city, dried crocodile meat is used in some soups that are believed to offer health benefits. Traditional Chinese medical practitioner Chan Man-hon said it could help to stop coughs, but was rarely prescribed.

“It’s usually useful for ‘weak’ coughs, such as those experienced by the elderly, children and the chronically ill,” he said.

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Most of the city’s crocodile meat comes from Thailand, with small quantities also imported from Vietnam.

According to data from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Hong Kong in 2021 imported 138,998kg of crocodile meat, all from Thailand.

In 2020 and 2019, the amount of crocodile meat imported from the country was 278,420kg and 208,789kg, respectively. The city in 2019 also brought in 2,900kg of crocodile meat from Vietnam.

According to the convention, Hong Kong also imports crocodile skins, leather products, specimens and jewellery products.

According to Howard Chuk Hau-chung, head of zoological operations and conservation at the park, the crocodile had been fairly active in the day after it arrived at the facility.

“It could be due to the capture process and being moved around,” he said. “It has been exploring its new environment.”

The animal’s situation is stable, according to staff observations. A basic health check was performed on the crocodile involving procedures such as taking measurements and a blood test. Chuk noted the reptile was estimated to be about four years old, and could grow substantially in length in a few years.

Chuk added the most important work for his team was to understand the animal’s behaviour and habits, as well as to verify its species type through a blood sample.

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Despite the park already housing two Chinese alligators, Chuk said it was unlikely the crocodile could be kept together with them.

“Each species of crocodile and alligator has its own territorial awareness. In addition, placing different species together could lead to cross-breeding, which is not very desirable,” he warned.

When needed, park veterinarians will conduct a more thorough examination and discuss with authorities what to do next, according to Chuk.