Date:16/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/16/stories/2008071660320500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Madras Crocodile Bank to launch night safari

P.Oppili

Between 7 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

— File Photo

CROCS BY NIGHT: The Madras Crocodile Bank will introduce a night safari on weekends from Saturday.

CHENNAI: People visiting the Madras Crocodile Bank on weekends will have an attraction in the evenings too. The bank will introduce a night safari between 7 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The visitors can observe the crocodiles during the night time, splashing water, jaw-slapping or reclaiming territories. They will be taught counting crocs in the night by counting the bright eye shines. “With close to a thousand crocodiles on display, this is an experience one should not miss,” say the Crocodile Bank authorities.

Rare croc nests

At present, rare exotic crocodiles are nesting at Madras Crocodile Bank. Crocodilians make two different types of nests, say the authorities. While the Gharials make nest holes deep in the warm sand, other crocs build impressive mound nests made of vegetation.

A huge mound nest of a Morelet’s Crocodile, a species found in Mexico and Belize can now be seen at the bank. Other crocodilian mothers-to-be at the Croc Bank include the endangered Siamese Crocodile, the small West African Dwarf Crocodile, the salt-water crocodile and the Yacare Caiman.

The Madras Crocodile bank, as part of its initiatives to improve interactions between the visitors and the animals, has permitted viewing of the Caiman lizards during feeding hours. Saltwater crocodile Jaws III could also be seen feeding on the first and third Sunday of every month at 3 p.m. The Aldabras tortoises from the islands of Seychelles will be on display very soon, the authorities said.