Madras Crocodile Bank Turns 50, Launches Nationwide Save the Reptiles Campaign
As one of the world's largest reptile zoos, the Madras Crocodile Bank currently houses over 2,000 to 2,500 reptiles including more than 400 crocodiles, along with pythons, anacondas, cobras, lizards, and Aldabra giant tortoises
Chennai: The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT), located near Chennai, officially stepped into its 50th year on August 28, 2026. To mark nearly five decades dedicated to reptile conservation and public education, its founders Padma Shri Romulus Whitaker and Sai Whitaker announced three major initiatives during a media interaction.
First, the zoo will grant free entry to all visitors on the second Wednesday of every month from August 2026 through August 2027. Second, special concessional admission rates will be offered to student groups from schools and colleges. Finally, in partnership with The Reptile Conservancy Alliance, the founders launched a massive nationwide awareness campaign titled ‘Save the Reptiles.’ Spanning 120 days and concluding in December 2026, the team will travel 15,000 kilometers across 22 states. Throughout the journey, the team plans to engage students, forest department officials, and wildlife enthusiasts to highlight the ecological vitalness of reptiles.
As one of the world's largest reptile zoos, the Madras Crocodile Bank currently houses over 2,000 to 2,500 reptiles including more than 400 crocodiles, along with pythons, anacondas, cobras, lizards, and Aldabra giant tortoises. Having successfully bred over 5,000 crocodiles since its inception, the institution appealed to the media to support the campaign and help carry its message of conservation across the nation.
