 Crocodile Conservation India
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Are you a herpetologist … or simply interested in conservation?
Either way, Crocodile Conservation is a unique project that allows you to get close up and personal with crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, King Cobras, monitor lizards, pythons and iguanas. |
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Based just outside Chennai, it’s a great location for exploring Tamil Nadu – you can easily get into Chennai if you fancy some city shopping or down to Mahaballipuram for a relaxing weekend on the beach.
Chennai: Previously known as Madras, Chennai is the capital of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai’s history dates back to before the English merchants of the East India Company and is now India’s fourth largest city, home to the world’s longest beach – the 12km Marina Beach. There are many thriving industries including computer software, textiles and leather and motor vehicles.
However, in this city of contrasts, growing affluence sits alongside near destitution and poverty. From any angle you will always find the essence of India in Chennai.
 After arriving at Chennai airport, a driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation at the centre where the staff will ensure that you settle into your new home. Starting on Saturday evening, our local coordinator will host an induction for all recently arrived volunteers. You will also have an opportunity to tour the city and take in the sights and sounds of your new home. Regular social events are also held, giving you the opportunity to meet other volunteers and local people, including a free weekend trip on your second weekend.
30 years ago 8 acres of land on India’s east coast south of Chennai and close to the famous temple complex of Mahaballipuram became a trust for the conservation and study of India’s three types of crocodile, the Mugger, the Gharial and the Saltwater.
Starting with 30 adults, the trust has now bred over 5,000 and currently cares for over 2,400 crocodiles. The centre is now India’s principal centre for conservation, research and education and home to 14 species of crocodile and 12 endangered species of turtles and tortoises – not to mention the King Cobra, monitor lizards, pythons and iguanas.
Since its inception, the centre has supplied over 1500 animals and hundreds of eggs for restocking and breeding programmes in various crocodile states in India.
There’s always plenty of work to be done at the centre so expect to be kept busy with a variety of tasks such as:
- Feeding the animals, cleaning out and maintaining the croc enclosures.
- Helping with research projects and collecting data.
- Supporting the environmental awareness camps with local children, giving presentations and demonstrations.
- Acting as a visitor guide, giving day and night-time safaris, and supervising visitors when they are handling the baby crocs or the friendly pythons.
This is a great project for volunteers intending to study conservation, zoology or other related disciplines, but it’s open to everybody with an interest in wildlife or conservation.
- You will stay at the centre itself with other volunteers. The accommodation is basic, but safe secure and clean. Staying at the project really helps you get in the spirit of the place and share the experience with like-minded people.
- Breakfast and evening meals are provided.
- Minimum duration – 1 month.
- Maximum duration – 4 months.
- Programmes start on the 2nd Monday of every month.
- Please arrange your flight to arrive anytime between Thursday and midday Saturday on the weekend immediately before your project starts.
- Please be aware that projects often reduce or close their operations over Diwali, which is normally in October for approx 7-10 days, and the school holidays between mid May - end of June.
- The hottest months are May – June and we would recommend you take part outside of these months.
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- International flights are not included.
- On arrival at Chennai airport, our local coordinator will arrange transport to meet you in the arrivals lounge and take you to your accommodation.
- In the event that you need to use local transport around Chennai, the local rickshaw service is very efficient and cheap (approx £0.40p for a journey within the city).
- A volunteer visa is required – we will provide you with an Invitation from the Project and a Sponsoring Organisation Letter. UK residents, please click here to download a Visa Application Form from the Indian High Commission in London (visa costs £30).
- All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
- Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements.
- Our local partner provides 24-hour support.
- There are no specific skills required to participate on this programme, other than a passion for animals, a genuine interest in reptiles and a will to share it with others.
- Volunteers need to be mature, confident and demonstrate initiative.
- Minimum age 18 yrs. No maximum age.
- Good spoken English is also required.
- Please be aware that in addition to covering accommodation costs, your contribution is vital to support the on going efforts of the project.
| Months |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| Fees £ |
1000 |
1450 |
1850 |
2210 |
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