100 Tons of Crocodiles Listed for Public Sale
An unusual court-supervised auction is happening in China, where around 100 tons of Siamese crocodiles have been listed for sale. The Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Court in Guangdong Province is handling the process. The estimated value of the lot is ₹4.7 crore.
The auction began on March 10 and will remain open until May 9. Although more than 4,000 users have visited the auction page, no bids have been registered so far.
Special Requirements Apply for Buyers
Buyers must cover the costs of loading, weighing, and transporting the crocodiles. In addition, a legal license is required to own them. Proper facilities must be arranged for their movement and care due to their size and species protection status.
Bankruptcy Led to Auction
This auction follows the bankruptcy of Guangdong Hongyi Crocodile Industry, founded in 2005 by Mo Junrong, once known locally as the "Crocodile God." Previous sale attempts in January and February failed, prompting a price reduction for this renewed auction in March.
Endangered Species with Commercial Use
Siamese crocodiles are considered an endangered species. China has allowed regulated breeding and trade since 2003. These reptiles are primarily used for their skin, meat, and roles in cosmetics, traditional medicine, and winemaking industries.
Public Response and Safety Concerns
The auction has generated mixed reactions online. Many users question who might want to purchase such creatures. In the past, incidents like a 2023 storm that released 70 crocodiles into public areas in Maoming have raised safety concerns.
