Israel Euthanizes West Bank Crocodiles After Repeated Escapes and Poor Conditions

In this Aug. 6, 2018 photo, crocodiles rest in water at a farm in the Jordan Valley, West Bank. (AP Photo/Dusan Vranic

Paris, August 5, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Israeli authorities have euthanized a group of Nile crocodiles that were housed at a long-abandoned tourist farm in the West Bank, citing repeated escapes and prolonged exposure to inhumane conditions, according to a statement released Monday.

The reptiles, originally brought to the Israeli settlement of Petzael decades ago, were kept in deteriorating enclosures with limited access to food and water. Officials from the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said the animals were exhibiting signs of cannibalism, a result of years of neglect.

“The Nile crocodiles at the farm were being kept in an abandoned compound under poor conditions that constitute animal abuse,” COGAT said. “There was insufficient access to food, which had driven them to cannibalistic behavior.”

Authorities did not specify the number of crocodiles euthanized or the exact method used. Government veterinarians were consulted as part of the culling process, COGAT added.

The farm, once intended as a tourist attraction, ceased operations in 2013 following unrest in the area and financial difficulties. In 2012, Israeli legislation reclassified Nile crocodiles as protected species, banning their trade for meat or leather, leaving the future of the animals uncertain.

Over the years, the crocodiles repeatedly escaped the confines of the failing facility, prompting safety concerns among nearby residents. The local council previously warned that an escapee could reach the Jordan River, less than seven kilometers away, potentially triggering a diplomatic incident with neighboring Jordan.

To prevent further escapes, Israeli authorities had allocated over 100,000 shekels (approximately $29,000) in recent years to re-fence the compound. However, conditions at the site remained inadequate, ultimately leading to the decision to humanely euthanize the animals.

The culling marks the end of a decades-long controversy surrounding the farm and highlights ongoing concerns over wildlife regulation and animal welfare in Israeli-controlled areas of the West Bank.