Hungry Crocodile Swallows Tourist’s Shoe, Vets Remove It Through Surgery

The crocodile, named Anuket, had swallowed a 'tasty' shoe in December when it fell off a tourist's foot over a zipliner at St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, where the reptile resides.

Published: February 24, 2021 12:09 AM IST

By India.com News Desk | Edited by Sharmita Kar

crocodile
The hungry crocodile had to undergo surgery to get a shoe out of his stomach.

New Delhi: When a 10.5-foot-long and 341-pound Nile crocodile ate a shoe out of hunger – not once but TWICE – a group of veterinarians at the University of Florida were quick to its rescue as they surgically removed it from the reptile’s stomach. The crocodile, named Anuket, had swallowed a ‘tasty’ shoe in December when it fell off a tourist’s foot over a zipliner at St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, where the reptile resides.

Witnesses had spotted the Nile crocodile gulping the shoe, regurgitating it and then eating it right back up again, the college said in a Facebook post.

“If the shoe fits you fancy… swallow it? Not a good idea!” the Facebook post by University of Florida read.

If the shoe fits your fancy …. swallow it? Not a good idea! This 10.5-foot, 341-pound Nile crocodile, named Anuket, came…

Posted by University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine on Monday, February 15, 2021

The college further said that the crocodile was brought to them on February 5 where the vets tried various “less invasive” non-surgical methods to push the shoe out of the crocodile’s system. But they had no luck.

Ultimately, the doctors had to perform a “gastronomy” which allows easier access to the stomach, the statement mentioned. The vets were able to quickly remove the shoe from Anuket’s stomach.

“After an overnight stay, Anuket returned home, and has been recuperating at the park since then,” the school said in Facebook post. “She subsequently received successful surgery and is recuperating well back at the park,” they added.

Also Read:

For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest News News on India.com.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts Cookies Policy.