Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Madras Crocodile Bank Marks 50 Years With Reptile Campaign
The Madras Crocodile Bank is celebrating 50 years of protecting reptiles.
Its founders, Romulus Whitaker and Sai Whitaker, announced several special activities.
People can visit for free on the second Wednesday of every month for one year.
Schools and colleges will also receive cheaper group tickets.
The zoo has started a campaign called Save the Reptiles.
During the campaign, a team will travel across 22 states for 120 days.
They will speak with students, forest officials, and wildlife supporters.
The goal is to explain why reptiles are important to nature.
The zoo currently cares for more than 2,000 reptiles and has bred over 5,000 crocodiles.
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust began its 50th year on August 28, 2026.
Founders Romulus Whitaker and Sai Whitaker announced three anniversary initiatives.
Visitors will receive free entry on the second Wednesday of each month through August 2027.
Student groups will receive concessional admission rates at the reptile zoo.
The 120-day Save the Reptiles campaign will cover 15,000 kilometers across 22 states and conclude in December 2026.
- Who
- The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, founders Romulus Whitaker and Sai Whitaker, and The Reptile Conservancy Alliance.
- What
- The reptile zoo launched anniversary access initiatives and the nationwide Save the Reptiles awareness campaign.
- When
- The 50th year began on August 28, 2026; the campaign will run for 120 days and conclude in December 2026.
- Where
- The Madras Crocodile Bank near Chennai; the campaign will travel across 22 states.
- Why
- To mark the institution’s 50th year and increase awareness of reptile conservation and their ecological importance.
- Anniversary
- The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust entered its 50th year on August 28, 2026.
- Free admission
- Entry will be free on the second Wednesday of every month from August 2026 through August 2027.
- Campaign
- Save the Reptiles will run for 120 days and conclude in December 2026.
- Campaign route
- The team plans to travel 15,000 kilometers across 22 states.
- Zoo collection
- The facility houses approximately 2,000 to 2,500 reptiles, including more than 400 crocodiles.
- Breeding record
- The institution has bred more than 5,000 crocodiles since its inception.
- Other reptiles
- Its collection includes pythons, anacondas, cobras, lizards, and Aldabra giant tortoises.