Escaped crocodiles at Bonnievale
* See update at the foot of the page
Following the escape of an unknown number of subadult Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) from a breeding facility outside of Bonnievale on Wednesday morning, CapeNature can report that in addition to the 27 already recaptured, a further seven crocodiles had to be euthanized last night and six more were spotted, but could not be recaptured as yet.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) has availed four boats and eight police divers to assist in the nocturnal patrols searching for the escaped animals. Although a number of trap cages with bait were put out in a first attempt to recapture the animals, this method proved to be less effective since the escaped animals have access to an abundance of food in the river.
The overgrown river and dense vegetation on the riverbanks also make it very difficult to recapture these crocodiles. Being nocturnal animals the best time to search for them is at night, which brings its own challenges in terms of visibility. As time is of the essence, CapeNature and the search party partners were left with no choice, but to euthanize seven of the crocodiles spotted. Although crocodiles are indigenous to South Africa, they are not part of the natural fauna of the Western Cape.
Dr Razeena Omar says she is saddened by the extreme measure this operation is now requiring, but “CapeNature regards the safety of the surrounding community first and foremost, which further accentuates the urgency of the recapturing of these wild animals. The situation remains fluid and the recapturing techniques have to be effective in the best interest of public safety.” Dr Omar emphasised that: “The onus remains on wildlife owners to strictly adhere to permit regulations. A thorough investigation will be led by CapeNature to ascertain whether there was a breach in complying to the regulations which could have resulted in the escape of these young crocodiles.”
CapeNature in partnership with SAPS, the facility owner and surrounding landowners will continue with the recapturing efforts through night patrols. The area approximately 5km upstream towards Robertson, and 5km downstream towards Swellendam, remains the key area for surveillance and capture. The public is urged to not attempt to approach any crocodiles, but to immediately report any sightings to the Bonnievale SAPS on 023-616 8060.
19 March 2021 update:
- 66 crocodiles have now been accounted for
Related News
Newly discovered species named after CapeNature Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan
A newly described Paradiplozoon species has been named after CapeNature Fauna Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan, in recognition of her knowledge and passion for the aquatic life of the Cape Fold Ecoregion, continuous enthusiasm to study the region's fishes and understanding their parasitofauna. The newly identified species – Paradiplozoon jordaanae – is named after Dr Jordaan.
CALL FOR APPLICATION FOR EXTERNAL MEMBER OF THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Applications are hereby invited for candidates to serve on the Audit and Finance Committee of CapeNature.
The member shall be independent from CapeNature, be contracted for a maximum period of two terms of three years each and will be remunerated for attendance at meetings.
Closing date for applications: 3 July 2026
Impact of Inclement Weather across CapeNature Reserves in May 2026
The last bout of extreme weather began in early May, when a cut-off low-pressure system hit the Garden Route. A week later, two powerful cold fronts swept through the rest of the Province, unleashing torrential rains and gale-force winds. The result has been widespread damage, with 85% of all reserves reporting at least some form of damage. The Cederberg region has emerged as the hardest hit.
Huis River aquatic invertebrate survey strengthens partnerships for freshwater ecosystem conservation
In the upper reaches of the Huis River near Barrydale, a recent aquatic macroinvertebrate survey is helping to inform conservation decisions for the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli), including the potential expansion of its range into upstream habitats in the river. The survey was conducted in partnership with
Ongoing efforts to safeguard the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin through monitoring
The Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli) is one of South Africa’s most range-restricted freshwater fishes. It is endemic to the Huis–Tradouw River catchment near Barrydale in the Western Cape. The species is listed as Critically Endangered due to its small and fragmented distribution, threats from invasive fish species, pollution, water abstraction, and habitat degradation.
Western Cape Government Prepares for Midweek Storm
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, today said that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre had been briefed by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on a cut-off low-pressure system expected to affect the Central Karoo and eastern parts of the Garden Route on Wednesday and Thursday this week. According to SAWS, the cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds