Croc freed from tire stuck on neck for 6 years

印刷用画面を開く

Posted

Category: Science/Environment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. tireless / ˈtaɪər lɪs / (adj.) – never stopping despite working hard for a long time
    Example:

    His coworkers admire him for being tireless despite all the challenges in his project.


  2. beast / bist / (n.) – an animal, especially a huge one with four feet
    Example:

    When you go into the forest, you will see a lot of birds and beasts.


  3. choke / tʃoʊk / (v.) – to be unable to breathe, usually because one’s throat is blocked
    Example:

    I don’t keep my dog on a leash since he’s so energetic. I don’t want any risk of him choking.


  4. estuary / ˈɛs tʃuˌɛr i / (n.) – the wide part of the river where it flows into the sea
    Example:

    Freshwater meets saltwater at the estuary.


  5. string / strɪŋ / (v.) – to tie, hang, or fasten with a string, rope, etc.
    Example:

    He strung the boat to the dock.


Article

Read the text below.

A wild crocodile with a motorcycle tire stuck around its neck for six years has finally been freed by an Indonesian bird catcher in a tireless effort that wildlife conservation officials hailed as a milestone Feb. 9.


The 4.5-meter saltwater female crocodile has become an icon to the people in Palu, the capital city of Central Sulawesi. The beast was seen on the city’s river with the tire around its neck getting tighter, running the risk of choking her.


Conservation officials have been racing to rescue the crocodile since residents spotted the reptile in 2016.


In early January, 35-year-old bird catcher and trader Tili, who recently moved to the city, heard about the famous crocodile from his neighbors and determined to rescue the reptile after he saw her frequently sunbathing at a nearby estuary.


He strung ropes of various sizes into a trap tied to a tree near the river, and laid chickens, ducks and birds as bait. After three weeks of waiting and several failed attempts, the crocodile finally fell into the trap Feb. 7. With the help of his friends, Tili pulled the crocodile ashore and sawed through the tire. (AP)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The tire had been stuck around the crocodile’s neck for six years. How do you think that happened (ex. some people tried catching the croc with a tire)? How do you think this could be prevented from happening again to another animal? Discuss.
  • Conservation officials have been racing to rescue the crocodile since the residents spotted it in 2016. Why do you think it took six years before it was rescued (ex. it’s elusive, the residents are scared)? Do you think it’s possible for wild animals and people to live close to each other without being harmed by each other? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Tili was determined to rescue the crocodile after he heard about her and saw her frequently sunbathing at a nearby estuary. Why do you think he was determined to do so (ex. he’s a wildlife lover, he’s after a reward)? Have you also experienced learning about a problem and being determined to do something about it? Discuss.
  • According to an outside source, an Indonesian conservation office initially offered a reward to anyone who would be able to remove the tire. However, the offer was later withdrawn because it might endanger the crocodile. Do you agree with the office’s decision to withdraw its initial offer? Why or why not? Discuss.