A morning jogger was recently treated to a rare sight of a crocodile in Karura forest.
The jogger was going about his usual morning health run when he encountered the reptile. He alerted the Karura Forest Management and Kenya Wildlife Service were called in and translocated the crocodile to the Nairobi National Park.
The Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) said that habitat alienation and construction, combined with extreme weather events are some of the reasons that might have led the crocodile to wander of into the forest.
FKF noted that crocodiles generally pose very little danger to humans when on land as they only stalk prey and hunt in water.
“Karura has never been known for being home crocs, and it is likely the animal was washed into the forest by the rain-swollen river. It was probably wandering overland looking for a better home. Hopefully it has now found one.” Added KFK
FKF asked people to be cautious whenever visiting a natural area such as the Karura Forest Reserve, and to follow the marked trails, especially with regard to dogs on leash.
Karura Forest is an urban upland forest on the outskirts of Nairobi. This geographical location and natural resource is one of the largest gazetted forests in the world fully within a city limits. It covers an area of about 1,000 ha (2,500 ac).
The forest offers eco-friendly opportunities for people to walk, jog, or sit quietly and experience the serenity of nature in all its diversity.
