Millions of crocodilians are farmed annually for their skins, used in luxury leather goods. Welfare conditions in crocodile farming vary enormously and are rarely regulated.
Crocodilians farmed for leather are kept in conditions that prevent most natural behaviors. Small concrete tanks prevent movement, thermoregulation, and social interactions. Farmed crocodiles show signs of chronic stress including reduced immune function and abnormal repetitive behaviors. The slaughter methods used vary in humaneness. Growing evidence of crocodilian cognitive complexity raises questions about the welfare implications of their intensive confinement.