10 Crocodiles Found Dead in Dry Sewage Ponds in Hellshire

HELLSHIRE, St Catherine – The death toll of crocodiles found in two dry sewage ponds in Hellshire has risen to 10, sparking environmental concern and questions about the maintenance of the ponds operated by the National Water Commission (NWC).

The disturbing discovery was first made on Earth Day, April 22, when six crocodile carcasses were found. Environmental officers returned to the site on Thursday and uncovered four more, bringing the total to 10. At least two were juveniles, and a pregnant female was among the dead.

The cause of death appears to be dehydration, according to Joey Brown, general curator at Hope Zoo, who helped rescue one surviving adult crocodile. The ponds, previously a refuge for these endangered animals, had completely dried up, leaving no water, shade, or food sources.

“You could see their scratch marks around the pond edges—they were trying to escape,” Brown said. “It was brutal, very agonizing.”

Brown noted the area appeared abandoned, with overgrown vegetation and no signs of recent maintenance. He recalled a similar incident two years ago where crocodiles were found emaciated due to a drying pond and had to be rescued with makeshift ramps.

The NWC has yet to provide a statement explaining how the ponds lost water. A spokesman had said one was being prepared, but no official comment was available as of Thursday evening.

Brown described the emotional toll of the discovery, sharing that two adult crocodiles—likely a mating pair—were found dead curled on top of each other, with the female’s decomposing body revealing eggs inside. “It was like a Romeo and Juliet-type of thing,” he said.

The ponds, though not ideal, have long served as a breeding ground and habitat for crocodiles, offering fish, birds, and other food sources. Zoologists and environmental officers reportedly conduct surveys there once or twice annually, but Brown said no recent checks had been done for months.

The crocodiles, protected under Jamaican law since 1971, are classified as endangered, making the incident a serious environmental tragedy. Environmental groups and citizens alike are now calling for accountability and immediate action to prevent further loss.