A 16 kg crocodile illegally kept in Šilutė district seized

Officers of the Klaipėda Wildlife Protection Division of the Environmental Protection Department received information from an anonymous person that an exotic animal was being illegally kept in a residential house in Šilutė district. On 28 October, after obtaining permission from the court to enter the dwelling, the environmental protection officers carried out an inspection and found a person who was keeping a prohibited animal – a crocodile. The animal was kept without documents proving its legal acquisition and origin, and was not provided with proper housing conditions.

In a 1.42 x 0.68 m aquarium, a person illegally kept an adult Caiman crocodilus (Latin: Caiman crocodilus), a protected species measuring 1.4 m in length and 16 kg. The crocodile was kept in premises which did not comply with the minimum size and other specific requirements for the keeping of wild animals in captivity. According to the requirements of Annex 5 of the Rules on the Use of Wild Animals, crocodiles should be kept in an area of at least 8 m2 with a swimming pool.

The offender did not provide the officials with documents confirming the legal acquisition and origin of the wild animal.

The owner of the crocodile was subject to administrative proceedings for illegal keeping of the animal. The person is liable to a fine of between €500 and €2,500 under Article 303(7) of the ANC.

This exotic wild animal has been handed over to the care of the LSMU Wild Animal Care Centre.

Before purchasing an exotic animal – it is important to know the requirements

Environmentalists remind that before acquiring exotic animals it is important to find out in advance what documents are required and what requirements apply to their legal keeping.

To keep protected wildlife, you must have documents proving legal acquisition and provenance, and a wildlife trade permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (for wildlife trade or display).

The conditions under which wild animals are kept must comply with the legal requirements. Captive animals must be kept in conditions that are as close as possible to their natural habitat according to the needs of the species. Veterinary care must be provided, and a complete diet suitable for the species must be provided. The animals must be provided with physical and emotional comfort. For more information for wildlife keepers, see the Department of Environmental Protection's memo "Procedures for Keeping Wild Animals in Captivity"

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