The 32-year-old female croc named 'Gori' for its whitish complexion continues to be a major attraction for visitors to this internationally acclaimed Ramsar wetland site. Poor health profile of Gori, incidentally country's lone white crocodile held in captivity, has been a concern for forest personnel of Bhitarkanika.

The rare animal is caged in a pen inside the Dangmal crocodile research centre in Bhitarkanika National Park for the past 32 years since its birth. For reason still shrouded in mystery, Gori has shunned mating since attainment of adulthood.

Refurbishment work of the pool-shaped water body in which Gori is ensconced has started recently. Effort is on to maintain constant flow of salinised water into the animal's pen from the natural water-inlets from the Bhitarkanika river system.

The pond housing Gori is fenced with barbed wire and no attention had been paid in the past to improve the habitat of the famous caged reptile, sources pointed out.

Wildlife researchers from the State Forest Department and experts from Chennai's Crocodile farm had recently noted with concern that the 'pen' was no more hospitable for the healthy living of the caged animal. The pond was hit by siltation and inflow of salt water into it from connected creeks had considerably thinned down. The slump in saline content of water was adding to the Gori's discomfiture, said an official source.

'The pen renovation work has got underway since past three days. The pond is being dug out to greater depth as suggested by experts. The water channels routes are being spruced up and cleaned up for uninterrupted flow of salty water during high tide. We are also ensuring that the captive animal is not disturbed while the work is in progress,' a forest official said.

It was also planned earlier to shift the captive species from the present habitat to a more spacious pond within the sanctuary to maintain the constant inflow of saline creek water.

It may be recalled that a few years back the State Forest Department had contemplated to set free the rare species from captivity after wildlife conservationists suggested that the crocodile should be released to the wild. But the proposal had to be shelved after apprehension was expressed at various quarters that the species in the wild might assault the `intruder' Gori.

A Wildlife Research Officer in the Forest Department said that Gori, hatched and bred by the department as a part of the crocodile conservation programme, is being provided all care in the sanctuary pen. The captive albino species was under constant observation since its health profile deteriorated a few years ago. At present, it is found to be in excellent health and there was no cause of concern for the rare species, the official added.

Gori, acclaimed as country's lone captive white crocodile, had hit the headlines in the past for its typical behavioral instinct. Living in isolation since its birth in the sanctuary, the animal had shunned mating habits despite several attempts made by forest personnel. Things reached tragic proportion in past when Gori violently attacked the male partner that had been released into the pen for mating purpose. Gori lost its left eye in the clash with the male partner.