A crocodile has become the center of attention—and concern—in the real estate district of Botunets, Sofia, where it has been illegally housed, raising multiple questions about animal welfare and regulatory efficacy. The sighting of this two-meter-long Nile crocodile (scientific name Crocodylus niloticus) sparked not just local uproar but also pointed out the exposed gaps within Bulgaria’s animal care legislation.
On August 6, municipal workers stumbled upon the reptile during what was supposed to be a routine check for illegal construction. This surprising discovery took place just 100 meters away from residential apartment buildings, where residents had reported sightings of the crocodile for weeks. Despite their complaints, authorities had not acted until the mayor of the Kremikovtsi district, Lilia Donkova, intervened, expressing frustration over the slow response from various state bodies. “I am just lost for words. It means I have the feeling there just aren’t any state institutions,” she lamented, giving voice to the exasperation felt by her constituents.
The crocodile, nicknamed "Crocky," was found tied and living under poor conditions—a makeshift pool on municipal land with no secure fencing, bringing serious concerns about public safety. Residents like Daniela, who witnessed the reptile up close, described feeling panic seeing the crocodile so near to where people walk. “I got to the entrance at the speed of a fighter jet,” she recounted, emphasizing the innate fear this unusual situation sparked.
Efforts to rescue Crocky were met with resistance. The self-identified owner, Viktor Mihailov, who claims to be a circus organizer, initially protested against the authorities who arrived to take the crocodile. He asserted his right to keep the animal by presenting questionable documents and even described it as harmless, stating, “It’s tame and doesn’t bite.” Despite his assertions, the conditions under which the crocodile was kept didn’t meet the standards dictated for such exotic pets.
On Wednesday, just as it seemed the situation might resolve, authorities faced yet another hurdle as Mihailov made curious claims about the crocodile's origins, even humorously declaring it belonged to his mother at one point. The tensions boiled over, resulting in police being called to maintain order as crowds gathered to witness the unusual scene. The local authorities instructed the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water to step up their response and insisted on the crocodile's relocation to Sofia Zoo, ensuring it receives proper veterinary care and housing.
Experts from the Sofia Zoo have already highlighted the inadequacies of the makeshift setup. Georgi Krastev, from the zoo, remarked on the limits of confinement: “The conditions are not suitable for the crocodile's needs,” prompting discussions on what defines responsible pet ownership and the sanctity of wildlife.
Complicities arise as investigations begin to question the legitimacy of Mihailov's ownership. Allegations circulate about whether the crocodile was stolen during the recent pandemic, with some locals speculating the reptile did not rightfully belong to Mihailov at all.
The authorities’ struggle to manage the release of Crocky is symptomatic of bigger problems within Bulgaria's public administration, laying bare the fragmented framework guiding wildlife care and law enforcement. Mayor Donkova has now proclaimed her determination to give the relocation another attempt, aiming to resolve the situation for both the safety of her constituents and the welfare of the creature.
This saga bolsters the growing sentiment among Bulgarian citizens for more efficient responses from their governmental bodies, especially concerning issues blending public safety and animal rights. After delaying tactics on both sides, officials seem poised to finally assume responsibility for rescuing the crocodile from the dire circumstances it has found itself entangled within.
The case of Crocky also serves as an important wake-up call for the regulation of exotic pets across Bulgaria. Current laws may be inadequate to address the full spectrum of challenges posed by owning such animals, calling for urgent reforms and public education on responsible pet care. The public can only wait and hope for the best for both the residents of Botunets and the future of this enigmatic crocodile.”
