Not far from Mamallapuram, 40 km south of
Chennai city, this crocodile breeding and research centre was set up in
1976 by wildlife conservationist Romulus Whittaker under the Madras Crocodile
Bank Trust and is now managed by a Board of Trustees. This bank was started
to protect India's dwindling crocodile population and to preserve the
Irula (Snake catching), tribe's way of life. It occupies an area of 3.2
hectares and has already produced more than 6,000 crocodiles. There is
also a snake farm where anti - venom is produced. Several species
of Indian and African Crocodiles and Alligators bred in captivity are
kept here in open pools. The snake venom extractions are a great attraction
to the visitors and it helps the Irulas (tribe) to maintain their way
of life. Open from 8am to 6pm. Tuesday to Sunday. Monday holiday.
Contact :
Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
Centre for Herpetology, Post Bag No 4, Mamallapuram-603
104,Tamil Nadu, S. India
Phone : +91-044-27472447
Fax : +91-044-27472958
Contact :E-mail
