Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Center for Herpetology is one of the largest reptile zoos in the world and one of the oldest non-government environmental organizations in Asia with a formidable track record in frontline conservation. The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (MCBT) is a reptile zoo and herpetology research station, located 40 kilometres (25 mi) south of the city of Chennai, in state of Tamil Nadu, India. The centre is India's leading institution for herpeto faunal conservation, research and education. It was established with the aim of saving three Indian endangered species of crocodile—the marsh or mugger crocodile, the saltwater crocodile, and the gharial, which at the time of founding of the trust were all nearing extinction. The Croc Bank grounds are covered by coastal dune forest providing a haven for native wildlife, including large breeding colonies of water birds and a secure nesting beach for Olive Ridley sea turtles. The high aquifer on the sandy coast provides sufficient water supply and the proximity to the major tourist destination of Mahabalipuram ensures annual visitation. The center covers 8.5 acres
One of the main attractions of the bank is the Crocodile Conservation Center. It is the largest breeding center of crocodiles in India and has bred thousands of crocodiles since its inception. The captive breeding program at the crocodile bank was so successful that by the 1990s there were over 8,000 crocodiles in residence, thousands had been reintroduced to the wild, and more sent to zoos and wildlife parks around the world. The Croc Bank has supplied crocodile eggs, snakes, water monitor, lizards and iguanas for breeding programs and for exhibits. The bank also provides surplus reptiles for transferring to other zoos and exchange programs. The Croc Bank currently consists of a large reptile park near Chennai, Southern India, and several field projects located throughout the subcontinent reaching as far afield as the Nicobar Islands. The zoo sees close to half a million visitors per year making it one of the most popular tourist attractions along the famous East Coast Road.
Read MoreOne of the main attractions of the bank is the Crocodile Conservation Center. It is the largest breeding center of crocodiles in India and has bred thousands of crocodiles since its inception. The captive breeding program at the crocodile bank was so successful that by the 1990s there were over 8,000 crocodiles in residence, thousands had been reintroduced to the wild, and more sent to zoos and wildlife parks around the world. The Croc Bank has supplied crocodile eggs, snakes, water monitor, lizards and iguanas for breeding programs and for exhibits. The bank also provides surplus reptiles for transferring to other zoos and exchange programs. The Croc Bank currently consists of a large reptile park near Chennai, Southern India, and several field projects located throughout the subcontinent reaching as far afield as the Nicobar Islands. The zoo sees close to half a million visitors per year making it one of the most popular tourist attractions along the famous East Coast Road.
