A wild crocodile in Indonesia was released today (Tuesday) from a tire that had been wrapped around its neck for six years.
Tilly, a resident of the area who specializes in reptile rescue, followed the crocodile for three weeks before capturing it.
He then used a saw to cut the tire and released the reptile back into the water.
"I caught the crocodile alone. I asked for help from people here but they were scared. He was caught in a trap I set, after he managed to get out of it twice before," Tilly said.
After capturing the reptile, missiles use a small saw to cut the tire.
According to Tilly, the crocodile was elusive and rarely came out of the water.
He set up a ravenous trap with a rope tied to logs with chickens and ducks as bait.
"A lot of people were skeptical about me and thought I was not serious, but I proved I could do it," he added.
"I did not learn it anywhere - I just can not stand that animals are harmed. I will even help snakes."
Locals next to the giant crocodile, Photo: Reuters
The crocodile attracted wide attention from local residents who made sure the tire would choke the crocodile as it grew.
In January 2020, local nature conservation authorities offered a reward to anyone who managed to remove the tire.
However, it is unclear whether Tilly will demand to receive the money.
He said his main motivation was to help animals, adding that this is not the first time he has encountered crocodiles.
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us