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Learn about crocs, turtles, tortoises, snakes and other exciting aspects of nature.

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT), the Centre for Herpetology, is gearing up to make your approaching summer holidays exciting, thrilling and a truly a memorable one! They are designing adventure-filled camps to bring you a step closer to nature and the reptiles at Croc Bank.

Beginning from the 3rd week of April, just as soon as exams are over, you can enroll yourself to the Croc Bank's Summer Camps. MCBT is putting together day and night camps for two to three days for children aged eight years and above. The camp will begin as soon as 10 to 15 participants sign up. They could be your friends from school, your cousins who have come to spend their summer hols with you or simply the other kids enjoying their holidays. Participation is open on first- come-first-basis.

• So what is Croc Bank putting together for you? Hold your breath…you are sure to be surprised!!

• Learn all about crocodiles, turtles, tortoises and snakes through interactive session conducted by experts at the Croc Bank.

• Look and find out about fruit bats. A banyan tree neighbouring Croc Bank is full of these large bats and the bat lady of Croc Bank will teach you all about them.

• Then there is a Nature trail. A family from the Irula tribe will take you on a walk through the scrub jungle around Croc Bank. And you will be amazed at the numerous things they point out in the bushes. Psst….they were always there, but it just escapes your eyes.

• Ever heard of a sacred grove? During the camp, you will be taken for a short trip to this patch of mystical thick forest surrounded by paddy fields. You can then explore and find out all about the plant & animal life within this small forest.

• Puppet theatre and / or a painting workshop will also be conducted during the camp.

• And how can a camp at the Croc Bank be complete without a lesson on Croc catching!!

• At the end of the fun-filled two/three days, all participants will get a certificate of participation from MCBT.

Croc Bank Summer Camps come at Rs. 800 for two days and Rs.1,200 for a three-day camp. This will cover costs of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, outdoor camping in the night and transport to the bat tree, sacred grove and all those interesting outings. 

All participants must reach MCBT on their own and have to be picked up from there at the end of the camp. 
For registration/details, call:
Kundhavi Devi, Education Officer @ 98410 04426 
Seema Mundoli, Projects Coordinator @ 98410 66640
Croc Bank @ 04114- 272447
Or e-mail mcbtindia@vsnl.net

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust/Centre for Herpetology is India’s largest reptile bank and is home to more than 2,500 crocodiles, various species of turtles, tortoises, snakes – both venomous & non-venomous, monitor lizards and iguanas. Besides, the Croc bank has its own share of free-ranging, non-venomous snakes, small lizards, geckos, butterflies and several species of birds that inhabit the Croc Bank as their own forest.

Tourists, Indian and international, colleges and schools stream through its gates to gaze at and learn all about these fascinating and little known Reptiles. What began as a small conservation effort, by a group of dedicated conservationists, to bring back the three Indian crocodile species from certain extinction has grown into one of the largest crocodile parks in the world.

In addition to the vast collection of reptiles, the bank boasts of one of the best reptile libraries in the world and a well- equipped laboratory for scientists and students for their study and research purposes. The Bank is greatly involved in Environmental Education and has a full-fledged education team which conducts environmental awareness programmes for the public.

RR