Crocodile With Tyre Stuck Around Its Neck Finally Set Free After Six Years
The croc had been growing and struggling to breathe.
A crocodile in Indonesia is likely breathing a little easier today after the motorcycle tyre around its neck was finally removed.
The crocodile, said to be around four-metres long, has been the subject of attempted rescue efforts before.
Crocodile wrangler and National Geographic TV presenter Matt Wright flew to Indonesia in 2020 in a bid to free the animal.
At the time, the ABC said the croc was putting on weight and approaching full maturity, so risked being strangled by its unwanted neck attire.
Despite their best efforts though - including steel traps, flying drones, harpoons and live bait traps - the rescue team ran out of time and money before they were successful.
Wright noted at the time that in addition to his official rescue team, there were 'a couple of rogue outfits' who hadn't gone through 'respectful and appropriate channels', and lacked the proper permits and permission.
He feared this would stress the croc out, making it harder for the team to get close and help it out.
The unofficial teams, however, were arrested and removed.
Now, the ABC is reporting a Palu local, Tili, has freed the croc.
He told media he caught the animal by himself.
"I was asking for help from people here but they were scared," he said.
He reportedly tracked the reptile for three weeks and eventually removed the tyre with a saw.
The croc was released back into the river on Monday evening.
Featured Image Credit: Matt Wright/ InstagramTopics: News, animal news, Australia
Vivienne Kelly