Visit to Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

Last Sunday, I went to the Crocodile Park. The park is situated on ECR (East Coast Road), Chennai on the way to Mamallapuram. The place is known as Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. We didn't intend to go to the crocodile park on that day. So, it was a surprise for me when we went there. It is my and my father's favorite place. My mommy took pictures while I was busy watching the crocodiles and having conversations with my daddy. In this post, I will share about the crocodiles I saw in the park.

My mommy asked me if I know what is 'Herpetology'. I immediately answered her that 'Herpetology'  is the study of reptiles. We looked into the internet and found out 'Herpetology' is the study of amphibians and reptiles. I was nearly correct. 

Look here for more information on Herpetology.

At the crocodile bank, at first we saw American Alligator. I will share with you some information that I read in the board. Marshes and swamps are the habitat for American Alligator, but they may also be in rivers, lakes and coastal water. This alligator can grow up to 6 meters. I learnt that one meter is approximately 3.2 feet, that means this alligator can grow up to more than 18 feet. 

Next, we saw Tomistoma. The information I got about this crocodile is that they are highly endangered. The habitat is fresh water swamps, lakes and rivers. it grows up to 6 meters, which is again more than 18 feet. It feeds on fishes, rats, snakes and monkeys.

Next we moved on to see salt water crocodile. This crocodile is commonly found in marine habitats but also occurs in fresh water rivers and lakes. This crocodile is endangered too. It may grow to over 7 meters (7*3.2 = more than 21 feet) and may weigh over 1000 kg. It is the largest living reptile and the most feared of all crocodiles. My father said that it can even leap up high to catch their prey.

And, then we saw a bunch of crocodiles called as Mugger or Marsh crocodiles. There were too many of them. I felt surprised and scared. 

Now, this is an Australian Fresh Water Crocodile. They live in a variety of fresh water habitats such as rivers, creeks and lagoons. It grows up to 3 meters. It feeds on fresh water fish, frogs, reptiles, insects, snails, shrimps, birds and small mammals. I  noticed that this crocodile had an yellow skin unlike other crocodiles that had grey skin. 

Next, we moved on to see African Slender Snouted Crocodile. This one can grow up to 4 meters, that means 4 * 3.2 feet, more than 12 feet. This crocodile feeds on fish, crabs and small mammals. They had very scaly skin. I thought the crocodile would jump up in the sky and grab and eat me. So, I stayed away. 

Morelet's crocodile's skin looked more like that of a snake's skin. It is highly endangered. We didn't spend much time watching this crocodile since we were excited to the see the next one.

Next what we watched is the terrifying giant JAWS III, take a look.

This was very huge. He was so scary and I got scared thinking he will eat me up. My father thought he is so cute. I asked my father if it will climb up the wall and eat me. My father scared me more by saying it might if it gets a chance, in a very smiley way. I got more scared. My father spent a long time watching the Jaws III crocodile. My father said they will give meat for this crocodile at 4:30 pm. This was surely very long. Its size is known to grow to lengths of 7 meters or more and can weigh more than 1000 kg. It is said to be found throughout the tropical regions of Asia and the Pacific. 

Would you like to take a more closer look at Jaws III? Look at his teeth. You are sure to be frightened.

We also saw a lot of small crocodiles with thin snouts. This one was a tiny crocodile. I also felt surprised by seeing the stork who courageously stood near the crocodile.

Then we saw a lot of Marsh crocodiles. 

Many of these crocodiles were lying with their mouth wide open. I asked my father why they have kept their mouth open. My father said it could be because they want to get some sunlight. I wondered if that is true. 

So, I researched in the internet and found crocodiles do not have sweat glands and they often open their mouth to cool themselves. Read more crocodiles facts here. 

I also wondered how sweating helps our body be cool. It could be because sweat water is cold. The body is hot. When we sweat, the sweat water comes out and cools down our body. That is what I think. So, now I wonder how come a crocodile can open it's mouth and cool his body. I am confused now.

These Marsh crocodiles's skin was very scaly and I thought they had happy smiles. 

Take a look at their scaly skin and I am sure you would see a lot of patterns. 

If you would like to see more patterns in animals, then you should not miss seeing this Aldabra Giant Tortoise.

Can you see pentagon patterns on the shell of this tortoise?

A large Aldabra tortoise can have a shell more than 5 feet long.

 Thank God these tortoises were herbivorous and they feed on grass, plants and leaves. So, I felt a relief. I also thought that they can make a good pet.

We saw this skull of a dead crocodile and got out of the crocodile park. 

Hope you enjoyed learning about crocodiles with me in this post. 

Typed and published for Harmonic Hari - PM