Madras Crocodile Bank Trust & Centre for Herpetology

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology was started with one small pond and 20 mugger crocodiles, by volunteers Rom and Zai Whitaker with the specific goal of securing breeding populations of reptiles. The primary aim of this non Governmental organisation is to promote and conserve the reptiles and amphibians in the Indian subcontinent region. By the 20th century, hunting the crocodiles was a honourable enterprise throughout the tropics. It resulted in the near extinction of the crocodile population in India around 1970.

Citing this issue, it was the need of the hour for the Indian government to protect all three species of Indian crocodiles (the mugger, the saltwater crocodile & the gharial) under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The place, which is a coastal dune forest, is just a few kilometres ahead of Chennai. It is spread over eight and a half acres of land and is home to over 2500 reptiles with their suitable environment. Visitors can get a close view of how these reptiles live in the wild. There is an aquarium where people can get to see the Gharial under water is very popular, especially among children. There is a separate enclosure for young reptiles.

Here, volunteers educate visitors about their life, their food and the threats they are exposed to. Over the years, the Crocodile Bank has supplied zoos with crocodiles, crocodile eggs, snakes, water monitor lizards, iguanas for breeding programs and for exhibits. This is the only approved snake venom extraction centre in India. It has a daily venom extraction show for the public at its snake farm, but it is closed on the peak summer seasons considering the vulnerability. With good connectivity, it is an ideal place to spend at least half a day and learn a lot about wildlife and environment. The gentle breeze and green cover keeps the place cool, and there are food kiosks available outside the centre.