Why Were 262 Crocodiles Shot Dead in Israel? The Full Story Behind the Slaughter

In a dramatic and controversial operation, the Israeli Civil Administration on Sunday euthanized 262 crocodiles at a long-neglected farm near the settlement of Petza’el in the Jordan Valley. The reptiles were deemed a severe public safety risk and were found to be living in dire conditions.

According to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), urgent veterinary assessments revealed that the crocodiles were malnourished, poorly housed, and exposed to harmful environmental conditions. Several incidents of the animals escaping into nearby residential areas heightened concerns of a potentially deadly encounter.

The farm, established in the 1990s to raise crocodiles for leather export, ceased operations years ago after Israel banned crocodile slaughter for commercial use. With no viable solution found for the animals’ care, the site deteriorated into a dangerously unmanaged space.

Recent social media footage showing intruders abusing the crocodiles further intensified public pressure to shut down the facility.

Following the mass euthanasia, about 60 of the crocodile carcasses were repurposed as food for vultures in a nature conservation project. The rest were destroyed.

Security officials emphasized that the decision was necessary to eliminate a growing threat to human safety and to uphold basic animal welfare standards.

COGAT stated: “After exhaustive efforts by the Civil Administration in coordination with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to find solutions for the Petza’el crocodile farm - and following urgent veterinary consultations - it was decided that, due to the immediate risk to human life and the severe abuse of the animals, the crocodiles would be culled under full veterinary oversight.”

Veterinary experts had noted cannibalistic behavior among the Nile crocodiles due to extreme hunger and stress, describing the conditions as “cruel and unacceptable.”