A video and official statements from the Moscow prosecutor’s office confirm that law enforcement uncovered an undocumented crocodile being kept inside a Moscow nightclub. The information was released through the prosecutor’s official Telegram channel, signaling the seriousness with which authorities treat animal welfare issues across the city.
Local eyewitnesses had reported via a conversational bot designed to assist with wild animal concerns that a crocodile was housed in a small terrarium within the venue. The caller said the animal’s welfare appeared at risk and urged authorities to intervene to prevent harm. The report triggered a rapid response from city inspectors and wildlife specialists who quickly coordinated with law enforcement to assess the situation on Kudrinskaya Square.
Inspectors from the Moscow Interregional Environmental Prosecutor’s Office and the Moscow Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection conducted a field review. Their preliminary findings indicated the presence of a prohibited enclosure within one of the nightclub’s facilities. The investigation noted that there were no documents proving the crocodile’s origin or ownership, a red flag that prompted immediate regulatory action and further forensic and legal scrutiny.
Authorities are now examining all facets of the incident, including how the animal was obtained, how long it had been in captivity, and whether proper licenses and permits were in place. If the organization cannot furnish legitimate paperwork, officials plan to seize the animal. The crocodile would then be transferred to a recognized Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center, where veterinarians would conduct a full health assessment and provide any necessary medical care and rehabilitation services.
Beyond the immediate case, officials reiterated that feeding any crocodile species is prohibited in Russia, a rule designed to prevent dangerous interactions, improper diets, and potential harm to both animals and people in urban environments. Public safety considerations and animal welfare standards guide these regulations, ensuring that exotic species are handled only by accredited institutions and trained professionals.
Previously, city authorities announced a broader initiative to encourage residents to report animal cruelty or neglect through the chatbot Save the Owl – Moscow. The service aims to improve responsiveness and accountability by allowing people to document suspected mistreatment and share observations with appropriate authorities, thereby supporting enforcement efforts and welfare outcomes across the capital and its surroundings.