Throwback Thursday is when we trawl through the That's archives for a work of dazzling genius written at some point in our past. We then republish it. On a Thursday.
By Ned Kelly
Four scaly snappers have turned up in the city in as many years, but quite where they come from remains a mystery.
There are two government-authorized crocodile farms in Shanghai, one in Fengxian District and one in Pudong. According to Wu Weichun of Shanghai Zoo, however, these creatures could not have come from either; they were found too far from them to be escapees, while farms are not allowed to sell or transport live crocodiles.
Wu speculates they are lucky escapees from the illegal trade. Instead of pre-killed, processed and frozen farm crocodiles, restaurants prefer fresh ones. Bought alive on the black market, they are often smuggled up from Southeast Asia. A 1-meter crocodile goes for around RMB5,000 with the price going up from there.
Four Croc Finds
1. 2008: Saltwater Crocodile Found in Primary School
Back in 2008 an infant saltwater crocodile was found hiding in the rockery of a primary school pond in Minhang District, terrifying pupils and teachers alike, despite the fact its mouth had been bound shut.
2. 2009: Saltwater Crocodile Found on A30 Highway
In July of 2009 a 1.3-meter-long saltwater croc was found crawling along the A30 highway. The fact its mouth had been bound tightly, and from severe ulcers and rotten teeth, experts deduced it had been that way - and so without food - for at least a week.
3. 2009: Crocodile Found at Wujiaochang Metro Station
Just three days later another was discovered at the construction site of Wujiaochang metro station on Line 10, its mouth also bound. Estimated to be 5-7 years old, it weighed just 10 kg. All three were saved and sent to live in Shanghai Zoo.
4. 2012: Dead Siamese Crocodile Found Near Pudong
In January of this year, a dead 2.1-meter-long, 40 kg Siamese crocodile was found floating along the Zhaojiagou River near Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone in Pudong. It was embalmed and sent to the Science and Technology Museum to be put on display.
This article first appeared in the April 2012 issue of That's Shanghai. To see more Throwback Thursday posts, click here.
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