Crocodile seen in waters off Sentosa Cove caught & euthanised

A 2m-long crocodile seen in the waters off Sentosa Cove on May 6 evening has been caught and euthanised.

The reptile was trapped and removed by NParks contractors off Sentosa Cove at about 9pm on Wednesday, the National Parks Board (NParks) said in a May 7 statement.

Public safety

NParks group director of wildlife management How Choon Beng said the crocodile was sedated and humanely put down.

The decision was made in view of public safety and the lack of relocation options, he added.

The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is not a suitable release site for the trapped crocodile, he also said.

NParks had previously relocated a small crocodile there in 2021.

The area houses a population of about 20 crocodiles

Relocation could see the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) going back to where it was captured and pose public safety concerns, How said, adding that NParks had checked with Mandai Wildlife Group, which could not take the crocodile into its collections.

Could not take animal in

Mandai Wildlife Group said in a May 7 statement to Mothership:

Decisions to accept any animal into our care are guided by our ability to meet the highest standards of welfare and quality of life, as well as the implications for our existing animal population and conservation commitments. After careful assessment, it was determined that we would not be able to provide a placement that would meet these standards of care. This is a difficult situation, and this was not a decision we made lightly.

Previously, a crocodile was spotted at Sentosa Cove on Jan. 31, 2026.

Water activities were suspended at three beaches on the island as a result.

What to do when encountering a crocodile

Should members of public encounter a crocodile, NParks said they should stay calm and back away.

They should not approach, provoke, or feed the animal. They should also heed warning signs and advisory notices that have been posted in areas where crocodiles have been sighted.

The public may also contact NParks at 1800-471-7300 or PUB at 1800-CALL-PUB to report the encounter.

More information on Estuarine Crocodiles can be found on NParks’ website.