Angul: In good news for animal lovers, a total of 35 hatchlings were found playing with their mother crocodile in the river at Satkosia Crocodile Breeding Centre in Angul district, Thursday. The matter came to light after a CCTV camera installed over there recorded their video. Successful breeding of crocodiles continued for the third year at the centre. Greetings have started pouring into the Satkosia forest range department for this success.
As per reports, Baladamara in Satkosia Gorge had not witnessed the breeding of crocodiles for the last 40 years. In 2021, out of the 28 crocodile hatchlings, only three to four crocodiles were found in the gorge. In the year 2022, a total of 32 hatchlings were born from which 12 to 13 could be traced. This year, however, the release of the 35 hatchlings from the eggs of the mother crocodile at the nesting ground near Baladamara is being touted as a success for the Forest department.
A blueprint for the protection of these hatchlings in Satkosia Gorge is under preparation. As there is sufficient time left for the growth of these hatchlings, special care, and attention will be given, said the DFO Saroj Panda.
