Ivato crocodile farm, also called “Croc Farm”
Spanning three hectares, this lush green oasis is ideal for day trippers from Tana or as an entertaining pastime before catching a flight or after your arrival on the island.
Not only can you observe crocodiles, but also some 80 animal species and various plants and flowers from Madagascar. Trained guides will show you the smallest chameleon in the world, free-living Sifaka lemurs, fossa, snakes, frogs, parrots and tortoises etc…
The main attraction is however the huge Nile crocodiles, the biggest predator of Madagascar, you can see the reptilian giants in all their basking glory. The displays on crocodiles are highly informative: many of the biggest specimens (well over 6m) have been brought here because they were becoming a danger to humans in their natural habitat.
Hundreds of crocodiles can be seen lazing in the sun at the shores of a lake. The best time to see the crocodiles in action is during feeding time (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday around 1pm). The Croc Farm also informs its visitors about the serious threats the few wild-living crocodiles face in Madagascar and about various legends that surround these impressive reptiles.
You can eat crocodile in the park’s restaurant. The pleasant garden restaurant Coco d'Iles Taverne next to the lake serves all kind of crocodile specialties, such as Croc Burger and grilled croc meat on a stick. The taste of the meat is a cross between chicken and fish which can have a slightly muddy aftertaste. For those who do not dare to try something new, there are also various croc-free and vegetarian meals available on the menu.
The crocodiles at Croc Farm are raised for leather and meat. Reptel, the company behind the Croc Farm, is since over 20 years breeder, producer and exporter of Nile crocodile skins for luxury leather goods. Today, Reptel Madagascar, also known as Sobek, is one of the few enterprises worldwide, which perform the entire process from the collection of crocodile eggs to the final production of fine leather goods. The production cycle is divided into four steps: 1) the collection and incubation of the eggs, 2) the first growth phase of about six months, 3) second growth phase until slaughtering depending on the size of the skin and 4) processing before local tanning or export. As of 2007, the tanning process is done 100% vegetable. Reptel/Sobek has its own brand of leather goods that are designed and produced in their workshops. Fine leather products, such as handbags and belts, can be bought at the souvenir shop directly at the Croc Farm.
Watch more photos about Ivato crocodile farm, also called “Croc Farm” here.