Current Events 2

What is unusual about the reptiles at Nyanyana farm? 

The crocodiles at Nyanyana farm are vegetarians. They are a lot mellower than crocodiles raised on meat, making it easier for people to clean their enclosure, and sleep a large portion of the day.  They might not attack animals, since they are being raised on vegetables. They also have very soft skin, which is good to sell. 

How did they turn this way?

They turned this way when Zimbabwe was having an economic crisis, and couldn't afford enough meat for the 164,000 crocodiles to eat. They started to create pellets made of meat and vegetables, and after a while they realised that the diet did not harm the crocodiles, so slowly they weaned the amount of meat in the pellets. After a while the crocodiles were on a 100% diet of vegetables. 

What are the crocodiles being bred for? 

They are being bred for their skin, which is also associated with their diet, because it makes their skin a lot softer than crocodiles who eat meat. Their skin is sold to European Tanneries, where it is changed into leather and shipped to well known fashion companies like Gucci and Hermes. 

How do you feel about the crocodiles being bred for their skin? Is it different from breeding cows or chickens that are killed for their meat? Why? 

It is unnecessary for crocodiles to be killed just so we can have clothing items. We don't need leather handbags or belts. It's just selfish. I mean, I understand cows and chickens, we need food to eat. But if it is cage farming, i'm against it, as the animals should be able to walk around and reproduce. If we were in great need of clothing or someone in your family was sick and there was a cure with animal skins involves, I think it would be alright as it is necessary. 

https://www.dogonews.com/2014/5/23/vegetarian-crocodiles-you-better-believe-it