Fisherman gets thank-you offer for catching elusive reptile
Fisherman Ng Lo-tau, who caught the crocodile in Yuen Long on Thursday, will get some new nets and a letter from the government thanking him for his efforts. But he would rather have money.
Mr Ng, 65, who swathed the reptile in layers of fishing nets to subdue it until officers arrived, said he appreciated the gesture from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
'I am happy with the offer, as I did not expect the government to pay me because I caught the reptile voluntarily. But I'd rather have money to order tailor-made nets from a group of experts in Tuen Mun. The nets sold in other places are too weak for my job,' he said, declining to say how much he needed.
Mr Ng offered to catch the wily reptile for $2,000 a few months ago but was turned down by government officials as he did not have a hunting licence.
The fisherman, who is being hailed as the 'croc hunting hero' in his home village of Nam Sang Wai, said he had been surrounded by villagers eager to hear him recount the tale of his big catch. But he admits feeling 'something is missing'.
'I still go to the river every now and then to look for another croc or unusual reptile. I miss the croc. I will go to visit her regularly when she is settled in a park or farm.'
