Do you want to buy a crocodile? Namibia government selling 40 of the snappy reptiles

Namibian authorities have opened up bidding for 40 of the snappy reptiles

Ever fancied owning a pet crocodile? Now’s your chance – Namibia's government has announced it is to sell off 40 crocodiles to the highest bidders.

It has been reported there have been an increasing number of croc attacks on humans in the north-eastern Namibian regions of Kavango and Zambezi, something that has concerned the Namibian authorities. In response, they have decided to get rid of a number of the offending species by offloading them onto crocodile lovers willing to open up their homes to the dangerous reptiles.

Officials have now opened up bidding for the crocs, with interested parties asked to submit their tender offers to the Namibian Ministry of Environment by July 17.

There have been reports of increasing crocodile attacks in Namibia.

If you’re hoping to snap up a new pet for yourself (see what I did there?), not so fast. Any successful bidder will have to demonstrate they have a suitable habitat in which their new crocodile friend can live.

And before you start clearing out that garden pond, make sure you read the small print. Not only do any potential crocodile owners need a permit from the destination country, they are also responsible for any costs incurred in capturing their chosen reptile.

Considering how difficult the reptiles are to catch – requiring harpoons, night captures and all other kinds of special tricks, not to mention danger money to employ Crocodile Dundee himself – that might not be a cheap option.

Conscience cleared

When a Portland State University student borrowed a copy of George Orwell’s 1984 from his local library in 1958, it was the height of the Cold War.

The Cuban missile crisis would happen just four years later, while whole swathes of eastern Europe were controlled by a Communist, Soviet government. Anti-Soviet comments by anyone living within the bloc could result in a prison sentence. Informers worked within neighbourhoods to ensure authorities were made aware of any misdemeanours.

This week, 65 years later, the student, the now-86-year-old former student known only as WP, returned his copy of the book, saying it needs to be in circulation today “more than ever”.

Published in 1949, the book, which tells the story of Winston Smith, is set in Oceania, a place where the totalitarian Party uses ever-watchful Big Brother to scrutinise human actions and suppress critical thought. Orwell, a supporter of democratic socialism, modelled the authoritarian state in the novel on Stalinist Russia and Nazi Germany.

"Sorry to be so tardy. At age 86, I wanted to finally clear my conscience," the borrower said, adding he had meant to return it before he graduated, but forgot.

He said re-reading parts of the book had made him think about returning it for other people to read.

“Significant parts are as relevant today as they were 65 years ago,” he said. “Simply add the words internet and social media, and you’re reading about 2023.”

Multnomah County Library, which published the note from WP on its social media page, said there would be no fine for the late return. "Conscience cleared," it said. “Fine-free libraries for the win!”