Last weekend, whilst enjoying the midday sun aboard a pontoon on the Blyde River Canyon, I received a phone call informing me that a Nile Crocodile was to be released on the Blue Canyon Conservency. This would be a great opportunity for all our guests to get great photos and a nice close up look at one of the world’s oldest predators.
After hopping off the boat we rushed back to our vehicle and began to make our way to the designated release spot.
The Croc apparently came from a rehabilitation centre nearby, had broken out and made its way onto the conservency. It was then recaptured and relocated to a more suitable lake on the property which I have mentioned in many other blog entries before. After unloading the croc from the back of the pickup and removing the covers from his eyes, the 3.3m reptile slowly slithered down the bank and into the water.
Our guests had the unique opportunity to take close-up photos of this ancient reptile, and it certainly constituted a highlight of their safari holiday; it certainly was a personal excitement for myself as well.
Quinton Chick – Lodge Manager and Head Ranger