Friday 8th November was a good day for Animal
Welfare in Malawi.
Staff of the LSPCA along with representatives from the
Malawi Police, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre closed
down the Koma Crocodile Farm in Mangochi due to serious mistreatment of the
animals in the compound. Over many months reports have been made about the poor
care the animals are receiving and the owners have been warned to improve
conditions but it appears that nothing was being done by the management to
address the issues.
The crocodiles on the farm were found dehydrated and
malnourished from lack of food and water given by the carers. Many were
suffering from injuries that had not been treated and overpopulation in the
pens was causing the animals severe stress. The pens were found in derelict and
unsafe condition with the water ponds leaking water leaving minimal amounts for
the animals being housed there. Lack of water and food for these aquatic
animals has led to conditions such as bad skin disorders, emaciation and the
stopping of the normal breeding processes.
In his report, veterinarian Dr Richard Ssuna wrote ‘On feeding them, the level of inter
group aggression and destabilization as well as varied responses of lethargic
response to food and failure to swallow in others all showed different levels
of starvation and ability to even cope with feeding. It is not unreasonable to
suppose that many of these individuals shall eventually die.’ Even since making
his report, more of the animals have die.
The animals
are now under the care of the LSPCA until the matter can be resolved with the
local authorities and then more suitable care can be found for the remaining
crocodiles. There is immediate work being done to improve the enclosures for
the animals and to provide adequate food and water.
.jpg)
.jpg)
