Crocodile Park
Some 40 km south of Chennai, there lies an enthralling place for wildlife buffs called Crocodile Park. Crocodile Park, the name itself suggests the specialty of this zoo. Established in 1976 with a motto to protect three Indian endangered crocodile species - the saltwater crocodile, the mugger crocodile, and the gharial, this zoo is the largest crocodile sanctuary in India with 8.5 acres of land. Since the center boasts one of the world’s largest assortment of crocodiles and alligators, thus, every year, thousands of tourists flock to this place just to feast their eyes on these compelling reptiles.
For the information, the zoo proudly houses over 2400 crocodiles including 14 out of 23 crocodile species of the entire world. Along with the crocodiles and alligators, the protected area is also home to 12 endangered species of tortoises and turtles, 5 species of snakes including the Asian water monitor and king cobra, and various species of lizards.
One can expect to see all these reptiles while on a tour of Crocodile Park. Out of 5000 reptiles in the zoo, 3000 are of native species esteemed as muggers. The talk of this place is the night safari on Saturdays and Sundays. Not just this, Crocodile Sanctuary and its thick shrubs, water bodies, and large old trees make itself also a prominent bird sanctuary in Tamil Nadu with over 60 species residing here.
Wildlife Conservation Activities at Crocodile Bank
The Madras Crocodile Bank aims at the conservation of nature and natural resources, particularly at the conservation of herpetofauna in their natural habitats. It’s role can be summarised as follows:
1. Animal Research and Publication: The Crocodile Bank acts as a vast outdoor laboratory providing opportunities to observe and document reptile’s morphological features, social behaviour and breeding biology at close range. It also publishes a biannual herpetology journal and is home to the largest collection of herpetological literature in India.
2. Consultation Services: The Crocodile Bank provides consultation services on reptile management and conservation issues to various organisations.
3. Reptile Conservation: It is the largest breeding center of crocodiles in the country. It has successfully bred 5000 crocodiles and alligators including the three endangered Indian crocodile species (the mugger crocodile, saltwater crocodile and gharial) along with several threatened species of turtles such as Batagur Kachuga.
4. Snake Conservation and Venom Extraction: The Crocodile Bank houses one of the only approved venom extraction centres in India, the Irula Snake Catchers' Industrial Cooperative Society. The Irulas are one of the most written about, recorded, studied and admired indigenous forest scientist communities in the world.
5. Mobile Exhibition: The Crocodile Bank organises frequent mobile exhibition cum awareness programmes for the nearby fishing villages.
6. Educational Programmes: From time to time the Bank organises camps, field trips, training workshops and nature clubs for schools, universities and villages.
Things to do at the Crocodile Bank
The Crocodile Bank is frequented by a large number of wildlife lovers, researchers and students. It is one of the best weekend escapes with your family and friends. You can indulge in various activities at the center:
1. Herpetofauna: You can spot some of the rare reptilian species in their natural habitats. The bank currently houses almost 2400 crocodiles, many snake species such as Red Sand Boa, Spectacled Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Buff-striped Keelback to name a few, lizards such as Gecko, Brahminy Skink, Snake Skink and a number of turtle species.
One of the biggest attractions of the park is a fierce saltwater crocodile species, which is the biggest in South Asia called Caimans. Recently acquired Komodo dragons are quite popular among children.
2. Bird Spotting: Bird lovers and nature admirers can spot a number of rare avian species at the centre such as White Headed Babbler, Blue tailed bee-eater, Coppersmith Barbet, Black drongo, Brahminy Kite, Yellow Wagtail, Red-wattled Lapwing to name a few.
3. Overnight Adventures: Crocodile Bank offers wildlife lovers a 2 days and 1 night stay filled with interactive sessions and snake hunts with Irulas giving you one of the thrilling and truly memorable experiences. One can opt for the night safari to experience the wilderness in a whole new way as well.
4. Junior Zoo Keeper: Center offers one of the unique and wonderful opportunities for the young enthusiasts to help in caring and day to day upkeep of the reptilian friends. Gone are the days of role play, here is your chance to be a zoo keeper of a real zoo for a whole day!!
5. Guided Tours: You can pre book a guided tour which sometimes culminates with ‘show and tell’ giving a close up view of reptiles and their behaviour.
6. Underwater Exhibit: You can get to see magnificent gharial at its best , meandering among fishes and freshwater turtles in an aquarium. It might prove to be a spine chilling experience for some!
