Crocodile Bank (Madras Crocodile Bank Trust)

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust near Mahabalipuram is India's premier crocodilian conservation centre, established in 1976 by American herpetologist Romulus Whitaker. The park houses thousands of crocodiles of 17 different species from across India and the world, including the critically endangered gharial and saltwater crocodile. The trust has played a vital role in saving the gharial from extinction through captive breeding programmes. Beyond crocodilians, the park also has king cobras, monitor lizards, and turtle sanctuaries. The educational programmes and conservation work make it one of the most important wildlife centres in South Asia.