Published on 27 Oct 2023

Crocodiles test the limits of a city in nature: Opinion

Crocodile lying down

In an op-ed, NTU ASE Senior Lecturer Dr Shawn Lum discussed the handling of a saltwater crocodile nearly 3m long that swam ashore in Marina East to bask in Singapore on Oct 10.

The crocodile’s beach visit was its last, as it was captured not long after being spotted. It was then humanely sedated and euthanised in the interest of public safety.

“The episode drew strong reactions, including from experienced wildlife biologists and animal rescue experts. Some did not agree with the decision and actions taken, while others said the incident was unfortunate but unavoidable,” he wrote.

“The incident transcends the fate of the magnificent animal. It forces us to consider what a City in Nature looks like, and what this vision means for us and for the wild nature that we share our island home with,” he added. 

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