Crocodile farm, Djerba, Tunisia: an overview, description and guest reviews

Tunisia is one of the most fashionable and popular destinations for Europeans. North Africa is unusually hot and dry climate, and a colorful and unusual country is literally stuffed with different exotic novelties.

What attracts in Tunisia?

Beaches, comfortable hotels and classy service are few people surprised, many inquisitive tourists are striving to learn as much as possible about the interesting sights of their holiday destination. In Tunisia, someone will be attracted to the ancient fortresses of Carthage, as scenery from oriental tales, someone - noisy discos and casinos of resort towns. What else is remarkable about Tunisia? Djerba - crocodile farm; El Jem is a true Roman colosseum; Kairouan is a sacred Islamic city; Desert Sahara - safari, camels, Berbers.

Palms, Berbers, Flamingos and Crocodiles

The Tunisian island of Djerba is comfortable for visiting all year round. Despite the availability of restaurants, casinos and nightclubs, this place is a quiet and cozy holiday. Djerba does not belong to purely spa places, there are also permanent residents. The center of the island - picturesque Houmt Souk, is interesting in itself for its own identity, such an African Europe. In the Jewish settlement, not far from the center, is located the oldest Jewish shrine in Africa - the synagogue of El-Grib. But the most unusual place of the island is the crocodile farm Djerba, which is part of the eponymous entertainment and cognitive center.

Djerba Explore Park

The huge territory of the park of 12 hectares is not only the crocodile farm of Djerba, although it is associated with this reserve more often. Here you can live, eat lunch and spend the whole day. The park includes, apart from the crocodile abode, a residential complex with a five-star hotel, a restaurant of national cuisine, a cafe and a souvenir market in a small Tunisian village; Museum of folk crafts and traditional life.

Dinosaurs

Crocodiles - one of those animals whose ancestors in the same form lived during the reign of dinosaurs. The largest are the Nile crocodiles, which inhabits the island of Djerba. Crocodile farm can show some individuals that reach a length of 5 meters. The weight of an adult reptile is from 270 to 900 kg. In the natural habitat for the entire time of observation, specimens up to 7 m in length and weighing about a ton were recorded. Despite its huge size, crocodiles do not eat as much as it would seem at first glance, and can do without food for a long time.

Reptiles begin to breed from the age of 8-12 years, with the help of eggs. Masonry on the average contains about 40 pieces of eggs, which the female buries into the sand and constantly keeps in sight. Newborn crocodiles 29 cm long appear after three months.

Why guard crocodiles?

In the natural habitat, the crocodile is not afraid of anyone. There is no animal that could compete with it in strength, agility and speed of reaction, especially in water. Danger lies in wait for the king of African reservoirs only on one side - from man.

There was a period somewhere in the 40s - 60s of the 20 th century, when the mass extermination of crocodiles threatened the existence of this species on the planet. The reason for this was a very valuable and expensive crocodile leather, products from which belong to brand things of considerable value. In addition, at this time rumors spread about the alleged therapeutic properties of some crocodile organs, and the fashion for medicines came from them. The situation required the intervention of animal protection agencies, and was created crocodile farm Djerba, which brought the surviving reptiles, mainly from Madagascar.

Weekdays of the reserve

Crocodile Reserve is not a purely tourist site, there is a research center for studying these animals. Now there are 1200 crocodiles living here, whose lives can be envied. It is not necessary to take care of bread, that is, meat that is essential, to be afraid and to hide too. Animals are not grown here for meat and skin. Crocodile farm Djerba is a nature reserve, which is included in all excursions around Tunisia. Where else can you see so many fattened huge predators basking in the sun, and at the same time feel completely safe. Tourists watch the animals from special bridges - crossings. The incubator, in which crocodiles are born, and a special crocodile "kindergarten", in which you can not only see but also hold in your hands, is available for free visiting. Usually from all impressions of Tunisia one of the brightest is the crocodile farm of Djerba. The cost of entry is 12 dinars for an adult and 6 for children (1 dinar is 29.4 rubles). Especially bright sight, without which the tour is not considered complete - it is the feeding of reptiles. Valiant and lazy-good-natured with a kind of sleepy crocodiles include their instinct for the getter and at this moment show all their predatory qualities. For a fee, you can even personally take part in this procedure.

Crocodile farm, Djerba: reviews

Tourist and special sites usually give a general idea of the object of interest to us. Another thing - the impressions of eyewitnesses, because everyone sees the same subject from different points of view. What do the tourists focus on after visiting the crocodile cattery?

• In the winter months, crocodiles are fed only twice a week - from the cold they have indigestion. Cold in the African way - a very relative term, do not be scared. If you want to look at feeding, find out in advance about these days.
• Feeding is a real reality show! It is interesting and scary.
• Cozy territory, there is something to see and where to be like.
• You can walk or ride a taxi yourself, without an excursion, it will be cheaper and less people - this is the main advice from visitors.
• It's interesting to take pictures with small crocodiles (it's free).
• Particularly admired is the farm in children.
• Interesting is not only the crocodile farm, but also the museum of national life.
• Who and where lives well - so it's crocodiles in Djerba - no worries, their living conditions can be envied.
• Without an excursion to the park "Djerba Explorer" impression of the place of rest is incomplete. This applies not only to crocodiles, but to the whole complex as a whole.