“Chinese police have rescued 3,600 smuggled crocodiles they believe were en route to dining tables in southern Guangdong province. The creatures – which measured up to 1.7 metres long and together weighed 16 tonnes – were intercepted in Guangxi Zhuang region, close to the border with Vietnam, state news agency Xinhua reported. Siamese crocodiles are endangered in the wild, although they have been bred in captivity successfully. Chongzuo police arrested three foreigners after receiving a tip-off about the unusual cargo in the trucks, they said. Forty-two of the 3,619 animals died in transit due to hot weather, prolonged dehydration and the cramped conditions. The rest are now receiving treatment from vets.” w/ photo
