Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Center, Dharmapuri
The Crocodile Farm or Crocodile
Rehabilitation and Research Center is located near Hogenakkal, Dharmapuri
District. Crocodiles are hunted for its skin (which is used to make purses,
bags, belts and shoes), meat and medicinal value of its bones and meat. Due to
hunting the number of crocodiles decreased rapidly. Hence to preserve this
species a rehabilitation center was started here in 1975. Mugger or Marsh
variety species are taken care of at this center. More than 300 crocodiles are
taken care of here. Tamil Nadu Forest Department is managing this center.
Timings
Visitors have to pay entry fee and they
are allowed to visit this centre between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM and between 2:00
PM and 5:00 PM daily except Tuesdays. On Tuesdays maintenance works are carried
out.
Facts
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Note: This rehabilitation centre for
crocodiles has been established and functioning since 1975 to curtail the
activities of destruction of the species for medicine and fancy articles.
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General Information
The
entry fee is Rs 5 and it is about 1km from the main city. There are different
cells with many different crocodiles of various sizes. Hardly do they move, almost still and you can’t even
make out they are breathing.
The place needs a revamp and better
maintenance and healthcare of the crocodiles. Never seen a live crocodile and you are in Hogenakkal,
please visit the place. Don not throw anything on the animals and do not
disturb them.
Another highlight is this place offers
the closest looks of the animals compared to any other parks that I have
visited till date. It is worth a visit.