Madras Crocodile Bank night safari is an experience no Chennaite should miss

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, home to 17 species of crocodilians, three of which are listed by the IUCN as critically endangered with a further three listed as threatened, is the first crocodile breeding centre in Asia. This was established in 1976 by Rom and Zai Whitaker with the goal of securing India’s croc population that was driven to the brink of extinction because of the lucrative enterprise of crocodile hunting prevalent at that time.

The centre, today, is the biggest crocodile sanctuary in India. It was back in 2008 that the Croc bank launched night Safaris for visitors  as part of its initiatives to improve interactions between the visitors and the animals. Visitors can enjoy an up, close and personal view of crocodiles in the comfort of cool evening breeze.

Crocodiles are nocturnal and will be at their active best during night. The lights will be turned off during the night safari and adventure junkies will get a kick out of the visual of hundreds of croc eyes shining at night.

“Night is when crocodiles really come to life. The cool evening breeze coupled with the cover of darkness encourages a secret side of crocodile behaviour seldom witnessed during daylight hours. Territorial disputes, breeding activity and general high excitement around the ponds are highlights commonly experienced on night safaris.”, says the officials at Madras Crocodile Bank.

All guests will be provided with torches and escorted around the Croc Bank by trained guides. The first visual of hundreds of glowing red eyes in the torch light could be a welcome sight to any adventure enthusiast.

Timings

Tuesday – Saturday 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm (By advance booking only, no on the spot registrations will be accepted. Please email [email protected] to make a booking).

Tickets

Adults: Rs.200/-
Child below 15 years : Rs.100/-

The safari tickets are also available at bookmyshow. Check here

Here are other programs the bank offers to animal lovers :

Become a docent 

Docents at the Croc Bank undergo a structured program, during which time they are taught all the basic skills required for conservation, research and education. So if one is passionate about wildlife, especially reptiles, lives in Chennai or surrounding areas, can spare at least one day a month and is above the age of 18, they can become a part of the Croc Bank’s Docent Program.

Be a volunteer

As a Volunteer, you will have an opportunity to work in different areas throughout the zoo. Zoo Support , Education and an individual research project. With so many different research projects running, there will always be something interesting to work on.The volunteer program is for those who have an interest in reptiles and are ready to adapt to the rigors of the daily running of a zoo.

Adopt an Animal

If you have a favourite reptile at MCBT, how about adopting it ? Your animal will still live here, but you’ll go home knowing you’re actively supporting and promoting ex-situ wildlife conservation.

4 thoughts on “Madras Crocodile Bank night safari is an experience no Chennaite should miss”

  1. Hi Team
    This is an awesome idea provided by the bank team, most of the people who are really interested on those program or training… gets a great experience… Provided based on people’s interest your team shall include wildlife photo shoot as part of the program… please join me as a member to receive the update.

    Thanks
    Sridhar

  2. A really good article. Thanks for letting us know that there is such an experience in Chennai that we have not even heard of!

    1. There is a link in the article which will route you to the MadrasCrocodileBank website.

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