100 Tonnes of crocodiles worth Rs 4.7 crore put up for sale in bizarre Chinese auction

The thought of buying crocodiles might sound wild. But in China, it's now a legal reality—if you’re ready to pick them up yourself. Through May, the auction is ongoing One hundred tons of Siamese crocodiles have been put up for auction by a Shenzhen court. With a starting offer of 4 million yuan (₹4.7 crore), the sale will go on until May 9. It began on March 10. There is a catch, however. Purchasers have to go and collect the reptiles themselves and cover all loading, weighing, and shipping costs, the South China Morning Post reports. Those taking part must have an artificial breeding license in the crocodile category to qualify. In order to work with the animals safely, they also need special facilities and transportation. Earlier Attempts Were Ineffective Guangdong Hongyi Crocodile Industry Company, founded by Mo Junrong in 2005, was the former owner of the reptiles. Formerly titled "Crocodile God," Mo lost the animals when he was unable to repay debts. The court then stepped in to auction off his properties. Higher starting prices led to earlier auctions in January and February to stall. More than 4,000 individuals have seen this latest attempt on Alibaba's Judicial Auction site. But so far, no one has registered to bid. A Perilous Business In China, crocodiles are raised for meat, hide, and cosmetics; they are also used in wine and traditional medicine. Since 2003, the Siamese crocodile has been a commercially raised species in China. Reactions of internet users have been a mix of horror and humor. It's actually scary. "Who will actually buy them?" a commentator asked. "This isn't for a regular person—you need an entire industry," someone joked. In yet another incident in November, a typhoon flooded the region, and 70 crocodiles escaped from a farm in Maoming, Guangdong. Social media shook with videos of reptiles lying on highways. (Image: Canva)

The thought of buying crocodiles might sound wild. But in China, it's now a legal reality—if you’re ready to pick them up yourself.

Through May, the auction is ongoing
One hundred tons of Siamese crocodiles have been put up for auction by a Shenzhen court. With a starting offer of 4 million yuan (₹4.7 crore), the sale will go on until May 9. It began on March 10.

There is a catch, however. Purchasers have to go and collect the reptiles themselves and cover all loading, weighing, and shipping costs, the South China Morning Post reports.

Those taking part must have an artificial breeding license in the crocodile category to qualify. In order to work with the animals safely, they also need special facilities and transportation.

Earlier Attempts Were Ineffective
Guangdong Hongyi Crocodile Industry Company, founded by Mo Junrong in 2005, was the former owner of the reptiles. Formerly titled "Crocodile God," Mo lost the animals when he was unable to repay debts. The court then stepped in to auction off his properties.

Higher starting prices led to earlier auctions in January and February to stall.

More than 4,000 individuals have seen this latest attempt on Alibaba's Judicial Auction site. But so far, no one has registered to bid.

A Perilous Business
In China, crocodiles are raised for meat, hide, and cosmetics; they are also used in wine and traditional medicine. Since 2003, the Siamese crocodile has been a commercially raised species in China.

Reactions of internet users have been a mix of horror and humor. It's actually scary. "Who will actually buy them?" a commentator asked. "This isn't for a regular person—you need an entire industry," someone joked.

In yet another incident in November, a typhoon flooded the region, and 70 crocodiles escaped from a farm in Maoming, Guangdong. Social media shook with videos of reptiles lying on highways.