The Flying Tambrinis: The Croc Farm

When you think of Madagascar, you probably think of exotic animals ....like Marty, Alex, Gloria and Melman, right? Alas, there are no zebras, lions, hippos or giraffes here, at least not any that are native (or any that crash-landed in a plane from NYC).

What animals DO live here are loads of different speices of lemurs, lizards, bugs, birds, and other odd creatures, inclduing one nasty character called a fossa. There are also crocodilles! Crocs are native to the island.....they were nearly hunted to extinction, but places like this croc farm in Tana have brought them back. Some of the crocs end up as restaurant fare and handbags, but mostly they
are part of a conservation effort.

The crocs are divided into ponds/enclosures - there is one for the babies, one for year-old crocs, one for "teenagers" and then a huge lake for the adults. They are fed three times a week - huge crates of dead baby chickens are dumped into their enclosure and visitors can view the feeding frenzy. It's pretty disgusting and fascinating at the same time.

The farm also has giant tortoises, lemurs, birds and reptiles like chameleons, iguanas and snakes. There are also two angry-looking fossae who pace back and forth in their cages. Our kids got to feed a couple curious lemurs who leaped down from the trees, and even ride on the 90-year-old giant tortoise. It was cool. Planning to go back again!!

Loved this welcome sign

Basking in the sun....they LOOK like they're sleeping....

Trying to look serious, like the Easter Island Head Guy

Awesome turtle hut

The creepiest part was when visitors started to gather on the viewing
deck - the crocs knew it meant feeding time was near and started
swimming in closer. Guess they weren't sleeping....