The St. Lucia Crocodile Centre is situated only two kilometres North of St. Lucia at the entrance to the iSimangaliso Park. The centre offers an exciting and informative outing for visitors who would like to know more about the lake system, and one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating animals – the crocodile.
The crocodile centre serves as a centre for crocodile monitoring and research. Crocodiles are a protected species in KwaZulu-Natal and all problem crocodiles that lurk in highly populated areas are relocated to less densely populated areas. If they return, or become a further issue in their new location, they are relocated again. On the third strike they have the potential to become a serious problem to villagers and are captured and translocated to the Crocodile centre, rather than being destroyed. These problem crocs can all be seen at the Croc Centre, and our very own Crocodile Dundee will enthrall you with the tales of horror on the adventures that ensued during their capture and their retirement to the naughty corner in the Croc Centre.
In the various crocodile pond enclosures, all the African species of crocodile can be seen: The Nile, the Long Snouted and the Dwarf crocodile. For comparison there are also American alligators and caymans. The crocodiles on display range in size from hatchlings to specimens of up to four metres. One of our more infamous residents, Bubbles the Alligator blows bubbles through his tear ducts when he’s unhappy – It just so happens that Crocodile Dundee the resident croc whisperer sets Bubbles off every time.
The route through the crocodile centre to the various croc ponds is a short trail where many of the trees indigenous to the Zululand coast can be seen. The crocodile centre attracts a large variety of birdlife and during the breeding season, spotted and thick-billed weavers nest here in large numbers.
The crocodile centre has a large, well-stocked curio shop offering an interesting selection of books and souvenirs. Their range of traditional Zulu crafts may also appeal to the overseas visitor. You do have to pay a small fee to enter into the crocodile centre.
A fascinating place to visit situated next to the entrance to the iSimangaliso eastern shores. It is a research centre, rather than a zoo, and as such, is committed to the well-being of the crocodile population. The best time to visit is over a weekend when they feed the crocodiles.
Tourism Tails 