Festive fun planned for Crocworld Conservation Centre this December:
Visitors to the KZN South Coast this festive season have a number of exciting holiday activities to enjoy, with Crocworld Conservation Centre’s dedicated holiday programme at the top of the list. This unique conservation centre, located in Scottburgh, will give visitors of all ages the chance to enjoy a range of informative animal demonstrations, nature walks and even a not-to-be-missed reptile birthday party during the holiday programme, running from 5 December to 14 January.
Martin Rodrigues, Centre Manager of Crocworld, said: “Our holiday programme is packed with fun and exciting activities for the entire family and we look forward to welcoming our visitors over the festive season.”
Animal feedings and interactions
This year’s programme includes daily crocodile feedings at 11am and 3pm, a snake demonstration – featuring a selection of the centre’s inhabitants – at 10.15am, and, as a special holiday treat, a vulture feeding every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 2pm. There will also be a fun (and safe!) snake and crocodile interaction session at 1.30pm daily.
Crocworld’s informed staff members. And, for those interested in the care and rehabilitation of the centre’s many residents there is a Treatment Room viewing window where visitors can watch the caregivers treating the animals.
Birthday celebrations
One of the highlights of the Crocworld Conservation Centre holiday programme is the birthday celebration for one of its most beloved residents, Henry the Nile crocodile, on Monday, 16 December. Henry, a 5-metre-long, 500kg croc, arrived at the centre in 1985 as a mature 85-year-old and has enjoyed a life of leisure, fathering more than 10 000 offspring with his six female co-habitants.
Celebrating his 119th birthday this year, Henry is believed to be the oldest known Nile crocodile in captivity, and he thoroughly enjoys his annual birthday get-together. For this year’s party, Food Lovers will be sponsoring tasty treats for Henry, and visitors will also be able to enjoy a slice of cake in celebration of Henry’s birthday, available on first- come- first-served basis.
Frogging evening
Another addition to the Crocworld holiday programme is the launch of a new wildlife activity, the monthly Frogging Evening, this month’s frogging evening will be taking place on Friday, 6 December. Hosted in collaboration with Nick Evans of KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, frogging participants will enjoy a presentation on the various regional frogs, a walk around Crocworld Conservation Centre and a viewing of the crocodile feeding before heading to the nearby frogging site.
Participants of the first Frogging Evening will hopefully get the chance to encounter the Bubbling Kassina, Water Lilly Frog, Greater Leaf Folding Frogs, Tinker Reed Frogs, Painted Reed Frog and Guttural Toad, among others. Some of the evening’s adventures could also include sightings of the Spotted Eagle Owls, Night Jars and even nocturnal mammals such as Small Spotted Genet.
The Crocworld Conservation Centre Frogging Evening will cost R80 per adult and R50 per child under 12 years. Space is limited to 50 people so booking is absolutely essential. Payment can be made on the day or via EFT. Banking details are available on request. Anyone wanting to participate must meet at Crocworld Conservation Centre on Friday, 6 December at 5.30pm to leave for the site at 6.15pm. Participants will need transport to the site, and will need to wear old clothes and gum boots, with headlamps and torches. The Curio Shop will be open to purchase snacks and refreshments before heading out. The Frogging Evening is expected to end at 9pm.
Eats and refreshments
In addition to the delicious birthday cake, the Fish Eagle Café will keep visitors nourished with its full menu selection featuring fresh food made with love!
“We are so excited to welcome visitors to Fish Eagle Café, a really well-located restaurant that offers great food with prompt service,” said Executive Chef and Manager, Morne van Zyl. “Whether visitors to the centre are looking for a quick bite on the go, or should patrons be in the mood for a great meal with stunning sea views (actually overlooking the crocodile enclosure!) then Fish Eagle Café is the ideal spot.”
Crocworld Conservation Centre’s Curio Shop – with its range of African-inspired clothing and curios, as well as toys, jewellery, books and ornaments – offers visitors the chance to do some convenient Christmas shopping. It also offers a selection of refreshments and snacks for visitors to purchase during their visit to the centre.
Crocworld Conservation Centre will be open throughout the festive season from 8am to 5pm, with the exception of Christmas Day. Tickets are R85 per adult, R55 per child (4 to 12 years), and R65 per pensioner.
To secure your booking for the Frogging Evening please contact, call the Crocworld Conservation Centre on 039 976 1103. There are limited places available, a confirmed booking will secure your place. Alternatively, contact Martin Rodrigues via email mrodrigues@cbl.co.za or call 078 484 1859 or Reptile Curator, James Wittstock on jwittstock@cbl.co.za or call 066 292 0880.
For more information about Crocworld Conservation Centre, visit www.crocworld.co.za, @CrocworldCC on Twitter, ‘Crocworld Conservation Centre’ on Facebook or ‘CrocworldCC’ on Instagram.
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