The following pictures were taken at The Crocodile Bank in Chennai (Tamil Nadu). They were gracious enough to let me vounteer there for a month and do some photo documentation for them. These pictures are of the species that are on display.
During the one month that I volunteered there, even if it was for a short time, I developed an incredibly strong respect and awe for these reptiles. They are some of the most intelligent and curious creatures I have seen, not to mention one of the few that have seen many centuries of this world and, call it wishful thinking, I consider them wise.
All of this is why I find it hard to fathom that anyone would harm them for immaterial possessions like jewellery and bags. Contrary to a lot of people's beliefs, they do not have medicinal value at all.
I'm not going to write paragraphs and paragraphs on their beauty and pricelessness, because all of that seems obvious and cliched. I will urge you, however, to maybe read up just a little bit about them and remove any kind of illogical fear that might cloud your judgement about these animals.
(Please note: These pictures are also owned by the Crocodile Bank, so please do not copy or edit or any of that nonsense.)
Mugger Crocodiles (above and below)
A Mugger crocodile in the midde of his meal.
Australian Fresh-water Crocodile.
African Slender-snouted Crocodile. He may look happy and content, but a moment before the picture, he snarled at me.
Dwarf Caiman. This species in particular reminds me of the dinosaurs. Not surprising, considering the Crocodile's lineage goes back to the same era, and possibly even before.
(Above 3 pictures) Gharials. This female (above) was so quiet that I didn't even realise she had crept up to me. My heart skipped a few beats. Fortunately she had just had a hearty meal of fish.
Salt Water Crocodile - Fondly named "Jaws III". He is the largest Crocodile in captivity in India.
Morelete's Crocodile basking rather happily.
The Nile Crocodile.
The Siamese Crocodile.
Another Siamese crocodile, partially submerging herself after she caught me looking at her.
Siamese Crocodile, basking.
The above 3 pictures were taken in an underwater Gharial aquarium.
Yacare Caiman.
Spot the croc!
Juvenille Siamese Crocodiles (above and below)
Juvenille Gharial.
