Fact Check: Viral video showing crocodiles swimming in floodwaters is not Vadodara but Australia
Vadodara in Gujarat is severely flooded due to heavy rains. Apart from floods and rains, Vadodara is also dealing with the issue of crocodiles that have been entering residential areas as the Vishwamitri river flows through the city and the whole city has been flooded by it.
Claim :
Viral video shows crocodiles swimming in floodwaters of Vadodara, GujaratFact :
The video is not from Vadodara, Gujarat. It was shot in East Kimberley, Australia
Vadodara in Gujarat is severely flooded due to heavy rains. Apart from floods and rains, Vadodara is also dealing with the issue of crocodiles that have been entering residential areas as the Vishwamitri river flows through the city and the whole city has been flooded by it. Several crocodiles measuring up to 10-15 feet have been spotted in various places of the city. Videos and pictures of crocodiles being spotted in the city are in circulation on social media. People even recorded two men transporting a crocodile on a scooter to the forest department office.
Meanwhile, a chilling video of four crocodiles swimming, with one of the crocodiles carrying a dead animal in its mouth is being shared by several social media users with the claim that Vadodara residents were witness to the incident, due to recent heavy floods.
The video was also shared by a few mainstream media websites like Indian Express.
Fact check:
The claim is False. The video is from East Kimberly, Australia.
When one of the Instagram users shared this video with the caption ‘The civilized city of Vadodara is now also known as the City of Crocodiles. In the recent floods, crocodiles came out when the river flooded. Recently, a crocodile was seen killing cattle in Viswamitri river. During this time, not one but four crocodiles were seen. #vadodara.'
When we observed the comments of this post, a user named donnydrysdale commented that ‘the video was filmed in Australia’. Though the video is deleted now, the screenshot of the post shows the comment. Taking a cue from this, when we searched for the Instagram user donnydrysdale, we found that longer version of the viral video was published on this Instagram account on August 7, 2024.
A similar video of a single crocodile carrying a dead animal was posted by the same handle on July 15, 2024.
When we searched further, we also found a post on a page named CROC- Community Representation of Crocodiles. The post tagged the Instagram account @donnydrysdale.
Another Facebook account named croc.qld shared the longer version of the video with the caption “Crocodile Choreography in the Kimberley". Slowing down this incredible moment captured by Donny Imberlong, we witness the raw power and instinct of saltwater crocodiles during a feeding event. This footage shows the unique choreography that unfolds when these apex predators come together and cautiously attempt to share in the prey item.
Although crocodiles don’t willingly “share” their prey in a cooperative sense, they do tolerate each other during feeding, with larger crocs often taking the first bites. In some cases, a crocodile may drag leftover prey into a secluded spot, stashing it away for a later meal. This tactic helps them protect their food from competitors and scavengers, showcasing their remarkable survival instincts in the wild.”
The Facebook page of Donny Imberlong also shared the video with the caption ‘Kids fighting over their food. Usually, the biggest croc has his share first”. Hence, the viral video is not from Vadodara, Gujarat, but from East Kimberly, Australia. The claim is False.
