Kendrapara (Orissa) (PTI): The country's only albino crocodile 'Gori' can now enjoy a better "home" after the Orissa government has given a face-lift to its abode in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary following concerns by reptile researchers over facilities in its habitat.

The poor health profile of the 33-year-old rare female crocodile has been a cause of concern for forest personnel in Bhittarkanika, an internationally acclaimed Ramsar wetland site.

Wildlife researchers from the state forest department and experts from Chennai's crocodile farm had recently expressed concern that the habitat was unfit for Gori, named due to its whitish appearance.

She used to skip meals for weeks together in the past three years.

The reptile, which is a major attraction for visitors, is being kept at the Dangmal Crocodile Research Center in the park for the last 33 years since its birth.

Apart from the pond being surrounded by barbed wire, little attention was paid in the past to improve the habitat of the albino reptile, officials sources said.

The pond was hit by siltation. Inflow of salt water from connected creeks to the pond had considerably thinned down adding to the creature's distress, the sources said.

Now the pond has been made deeper as suggested by experts. The channels have been cleaned to ensure constant flow of saline water during high tide from natural water-inlets of the Bhitarkanika river system, forest officials said.

"We are also ensuring she is not disturbed by tourists," they said.

It was earlier planned earlier to shift the crocodile from the present habitat to a more spacious pond within the sanctuary, while a few years ago the forest department had contemplated setting her free on the suggestion of wildlife conservationists.

But the proposal was shelved after apprehension that other crocodiles in the wild might assault 'Gori' taking her to be an intruder, the officials said.

"Following the measures, the rare species appears to be enjoying an excellent health. She is safe and sound, there is no cause of concern," they said.

A wildlife research officer of the forest department said 'Gori' was bred as part of a crocodile conservation programme.

Living in isolation since its birth, she has shunned mating despite several attempts made by forest personnel.

Gori had violently attacked a male released into the pond. She lost her left eye in the encounter.