The discovery of a critically endangered Siamese crocodile in Hong Kong’s New Territories on April 30 has raised concerns that the smuggling of rare and exotic animals is on the rise with the reopening of borders.

An online check by the Post found several pet shops in mainland China that claimed to have endangered and vulnerable species for sale, and some said they could sneak the animals into the city.

Some experts believe the 1.9-metre (6.2-foot) female crocodile was smuggled into Hong Kong as a pet and abandoned. It is being kept in quarantine temporarily at Ocean Park.