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'''The zoological and botanical park ''Croc Farm'' is located can be found in a small valley just ten minutes by car along following a bumpy road coming 10-minute car ride from Ivato Airport. Spanning three hectares, this lush green oasis is ideal for day trippers from Tana or as an entertaining pastime before catching a flight.'''
[[File:Croc Farm 001.jpg|600px]]
The main attraction is however the huge Nile crocodiles, the biggest predator of Madagascar. Hundreds of crocodiles can be seen lazing in the sun at the shores of a lake. The best time to see the crocodiles in action is during feeding time (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday around 1pm). The Croc Farm also informs its visitors about the serious threats the few wild-living crocodiles face in Madagascar and about various legends that surround these impressive reptiles.
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The pleasant garden restaurant ''Coco d'Iles Taverne'' next to the lake serves all kind of crocodile specialties, such as Croc Burger (15,000 Ariary) and grilled croc meat on a stick (15,000 Ariary). The taste of the meat is a cross between chicken and fish which can have a slightly muddy aftertaste. For those who do not dare to try something new, there are also various croc-free and vegetarian meals available on the menu.
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The crocodiles at Croc Farm are raised for leather and meat. ''Reptel'', the company behind the Croc Farm, is since over 20 years breeder, producer and exporter of Nile crocodile skins for luxury leather goods. Today, ''Reptel Madagascar'', also known as ''Sobek'', is one of the few enterprises worldwide, which perform the entire process from the collection of crocodile eggs to the final production of fine leather goods. [[File:Croc Farm 048.jpg|600px]] The production cycle is divided into four steps: 1) the collection and incubation of the eggs, 2) the first growth phase of about six months, 3) second growth phase until slaughtering depending on the size of the skin and 4) processing before local tanning or export. As of 2007, the tanning process is done 100% vegetable. Reptel/Sobek has its own brand of leather goods that are designed and produced in their workshops. Fine leather products, such as handbags and belts, can be bought at the souvenir shop directly at the Croc Farm, or at the Sobek shop in [[Hotel Carlton]] in [[Antananarivo]] as well as in the duty free zone of [[Ivato International Airport]].
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The Croc Farm is open daily from 9am to 5pm. The entrance fee for non-Malagasy visitors is 10,000 Ariary (2012) and for Malagasy 515,000 Ariary (2012)ariary. The guides inside the park may expect a small tip. Children under eight five years can enter free of charge. <div style="max-width:600px;">{{#display_map:-18.785305, 47.463115~'''Croc Farm''' - Ivato~~;|type=satellite|service=google|width=auto|height=400|zoom=17|controls=pan, zoom, type, scale|copycoords=yes|icon=https://www.madacamp.com/images/madagascar/Green_marker.png}}</div>
'''Croc Farm'''<br>
Madagascar
Tel: +261 (0)22 00715/ +261 (0)321 130 143<br><!--Website: [http://crocfarmbiosphere.com crocfarmbiosphere.com]--> == Additional information ==
View all [[Croc Farm photos]]
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