Holland Bay Sanctuary fights to save Jamaica’s crocodiles

Home to more than 40 crocodiles--including 22 measuring between seven and 13 feet--the Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary in St Thomas is set amid the remnants of the 18th-century Holland Estate, once a thriving sugar cane plantation.

The facility is completely off-grid, generating its own water and electricity. It features purpose-built enclosures designed to mimic the crocodiles' natural habitat.

Sanctuary founder and administrator, Lawrence Henriques, a passionate conservationist, expressed concern that habitat loss and illegal killings are endangering the species, noting that many Jamaicans lack awareness of their importance.

"What we're trying to do is raise awareness about the reptile and the need to protect what we consider a national species," he said.

"It's been here over two million years on our island, long before human beings ever found in Jamaica. We need to keep this animal on the face of Jamaica - not just in picture books or in a museum - as a preserved specimen," he says.

The sanctuary serves multiple purposes, functioning as both an educational hub and a conservation reserve. "We keep a number of stock animals to educate people, but they also serve as an insurance policy. If necessary, they can be used for breeding and restocking," Henriques explained.

Working closely with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) , the facility rescues, rehabilitates, and houses crocodiles at all stages of development, from hatchlings to mature adults. Many are brought in after being displaced, injured, or found in dangerous locations.

"From time to time, there is a need to recover and remove the animal because it is in a particular position or place where it could be a danger to itself and to people," Henriques said.

Having spent more than 40 years in crocodile conservation, he knows each animal at the sanctuary by name and temperament.

He also debunks common misconceptions, explaining that crocodiles are not inherently aggressive but often react defensively due to human interference.

"We're educating communities to leave these animals undisturbed so they can remain in the wild instead of being destroyed," he emphasised.

Beachgoers are being urged to exercise vigilance during the crocodile nesting season, which lasts from November to June. Henriques informed that during this period, female crocodiles are protective of their nests.

"The thing with crocodiles is know your seasons. Know that November to June is the nesting period, which is reproduction, gestation of the eggs, laying of the eggs, incubation of the eggs in the ground for three months [and] some hatching around the end of May to June," Henriques explained.